The 2400kWp rooftop solar power project at a long-established manufacturing plant has become a highlight as the development of renewable energy continues to be an inevitable trend. This project stands out not only due to its scale but also because of the journey of overcoming numerous technical, legal, and structural barriers. From the preparation phase to commercial operation, the DMNT project has provided valuable lessons for the design and construction team at INS Energy.
Challenges Beginning with the 40-Year-Old Corrugated Roof
From the initial survey phase, the project team quickly recognized the unique characteristics of the factory’s corrugated roof. Built in 1979, the roof is of a rare type, making commonly used corrugated sheet clamps on the market unsuitable. Additionally, integrating the solar power system onto the old structure posed special demands regarding safety and durability.
To address this challenge, INS Energy proactively coordinated with the corrugated sheet clamp supplier, designed a custom mold, and conducted real-world pull-force tests at the factory before mass production. This was a crucial step to ensure the long-term stability of the system installed on the roof.
The Zero Export Challenge and Legal Barriers
In addition to structural obstacles, the project faced a technical challenge when operating under the Zero Export model (not exporting electricity back to the grid). However, this was not straightforward, as the factory’s 110kV substation was managed internally and had not yet been integrated with a Zero Export support system.
The solution was to utilize the signals from the existing electric meter to transmit to the equipment controller, ensuring efficient operation without impacting the factory’s electrical infrastructure. This approach was both smart and cost-effective, minimizing the need for additional investment.
Racing Against Time to Meet the Commercial Operation Deadline
With the requirement to complete technical design within 2023 and achieve commercial operation by April 2024, every implementation step had to be executed with high precision and an accelerated timeline. This was not merely a solar power project, but a comprehensive test of INS Energy’s capabilities – from surveying and design to flexible problem-solving in real-time.
Thanks to close coordination among all stakeholders, including the investor, the factory, and the construction unit, the project successfully overcame a series of challenges. More importantly, the DMNT 2400kWp project demonstrated that, regardless of how complex the technical and legal conditions may be, with thorough preparation, a collaborative spirit, and disciplined execution capacity, all obstacles can be resolved.
By entering commercial operation on schedule, the 2400kWp project not only supplies a significant amount of clean electricity to the factory but also sets a precedent for a new approach to rooftop solar projects at aging industrial facilities – where every challenge calls for a uniquely creative solution.