Preliminary Layout: Fast and economic

In the first step, it is often necessary to get an impression of a potential new project. A decision has to be made on whether it is worth pursuing the project further or not.

In this step it is required to keep the efforts and costs as small as possible. Therefore we provide preliminary module layouts based on (public) available terrain data.

This preliminary layout can be done for a low budget, but is already detailed enough for estimating the quality of a potential PV-plant and executing a cost-benefit analysis.

Detailed 3D Layout Plan

Planning PV-parks, including all necessary parameters is a very complex process. The optimal design is affected by:

• Table Configuration
  • Module type
  • Arrangement of modules
  • Inclination of modules
  • Single post or double post system
  • Fixed tilt system or tracker
  • Azimuth
• Sun Angle which depends on
  • Geographic position
  • Date
  • Time
• Tolerable grade of row-to-row shading
• Presence of shading objects
• Topography
• Electrical parameters like
  • String length
  • Inverter size and location
  • Transformer size and location
  • Cable trenches
• Clearance parameters, necessary for construction and maintenance
  • Minimum row-to-row distance
  • Construction and Maintenance roads

All these parameters are considered in our layouts. AquaSoli’s planning team comprises electrical, civil and environmental engineers.

Equipped with a wide range of tools and applications and a great knowhow our team performs complete shading simulations to adjust the layout and find the optimal solution and to reach the target defined together with the client.

Digital Terrain Model

The digital terrain model (DTM), together with the geographic location is the basis for our layout planning.

For final layout planning, an exact digital terrain model is required in order to display the terrain conditions as detailed as possible. The surface of the terrain is scanned on site by a geodetic survey.

Common approaches for geodetic site surveys include:

• GPS measurement
• Photogrammetric drone survey

Both services are provided by AquaSoli. Based on data collected by a geodetic survey, a digital terrain model is created and analyzed with regard to slopes and directions. The DTM is used for detailed layout planning in 3D CAD software.

Digital Terrain Model

If the shape of the terrain does not fulfill the requirements for a beneficial PV-plant, we also offer grading plans for adjusting the terrain by cut-and fill works.

Grading Plan

A flat or smoothly south sloped terrain is the most suitable for construction and efficiency of a PV-plant.

The available land for solar often cannot meet these requirements. In order to prevent a complicated construction phase and an ineffective PV plant caused by big distances between the rows or big losses by shading, it is often the best solution to adjust the land according to the requirements.

The execution of the grading plans is carried out by AquaSoli according to the requirements of clients and authorities. Aquasoli uses 3D CAD Software to plan the optimal Cut-and Fill Design based on a digital terrain model. Cut- and fill volumes are determined with high accuracy.

Cut & Fill Plan

Drainage Design

A working drainage system is recommended for all PV plants – especially for graded terrain. AquaSoli performs the design of this drainage system, consisting of drainage channels and ponds. The layout and dimensioning of drainage channels and ponds are based on the digital terrain model. Requirements of clients and authorities and rain fall data are considered.

Construction- and Maintenance-Roads

In order to ensure a smooth construction phase, a working infrastructure with roads and storage areas is required. Also after finishing construction maintenance-roads are necessary.

Depending on the soil conditions and the intensity of traffic, AquaSoli designs the structure of the maintenance- and construction-roads and storage areas.

Erosion Protection

Heavy rainfall can cause erosion of the surface. To prevent expensive improvements of erosion and resulting damages of structures, AquaSoli performs the design of erosion protection considering the slope of terrain, soil conditions and rainfall intensity.

Electrical layout and String Plan

Positioning of electrical components like combiner boxes, inverter, and transformer, as well as planning the string configuration is carried out by AquaSoli.

We consider in our electrical planning economical and technical aspects and have the target to save cable length and reduce cable losses.

Cable Trench Design

Based on the electrical layout and string plan we can arrange the cable trench layout as well as the arrangement of cables within the trenches and the resulting size of the trenches.

We provide the cable trench layout and cross-sections of cable trenches.

Single Line Diagram

Single-line diagrams, which represent the electrical hierarchy of DC- and AC-rated power systems in PV plants, are a key output in the electrical planning phase. AquaSoli prepares a single-line diagram showing the proper power distribution path from the incoming power source to each sub-component, and includes the rate and size of all electrical equipment, their circuit conductors and protective devices.

Stake Out Plan

After layout planning has been completed and before construction can start, it is necessary to mark the positions of arrays, stations, fences, roads and other construction elements on site.

Therefore, we provide stake out plans for marking the locations of specific points like pile’s locations or corners of stations.

Stake Out Plan

Staking Out

Staking out of specific positions on site is supplied by AquaSoli.

With GPS surveying device, we can mark all necessary locations on-site according to the layout and stake-out plan with an accuracy of a few cm.

Staking out via terrestrial GPS