PAD RES and Electrum Concreo will build a photovoltaic power plant complex with a total capacity of 130.4 MWp. The complex, named PV Stargard, will be located in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. The agreement, signed by both companies in recent weeks, also includes the creation of an energy distribution system consisting of 63 km of MV and HV cable lines.
Electrum Concreo, a company operating within the Electrum group with a climate tech profile, has previously collaborated with PAD RES as a general contractor on several projects. It has previously completed the construction of the 35 MW Genowefa photovoltaic farm, located in central Poland, and is currently constructing two solar facilities with a total capacity of 117 MW in Sztum and Mikołajki.
“The PV Stargard complex is another significant initiative within the portfolio of renewable energy projects in the PAD RES group, emphasizing our commitment to the development of green energy and active involvement in the energy transformation process,” evaluates Wojciech Jasiński, Director of Construction Department at PAD RES. “It is no coincidence that we invited Electrum to implement this project. This decision was influenced, among other things, by the successful cooperation in the implementation of previous contracts and understanding the complexity of the planned undertaking. We see that we share common goals – we want our projects to contribute to further transforming Poland towards a more sustainable energy future,” explains Wojciech Jasiński.
“This is our next investment carried out jointly with PAD RES in Pomerania. Investments in this region are of particular importance to our business,” emphasizes Tomasz Słyż, Director of Implementation Team at Electrum Concreo. “We are pleased that through this implementation, we have the opportunity to work together with our partner towards the development of modern technologies for energy transformation and economic decarbonization,” adds Tomasz Słyż.
The PV Stargard photovoltaic power plants will cover an area of 176 hectares and generate energy equivalent to powering 69,000 households, thereby avoiding emissions of over 118,000 tons of carbon dioxide. The installation is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2025.
About Electrum
Electrum Group is a leading Polish Climate Tech business based in Białystok, offering comprehensive solutions in the field of cutting-edge technology development, project construction, and management in the energy and information sectors. The technological maturity of its experts allows them to deliver products and services that respond to the evolving needs of the industry and businesses in line with the ongoing energy transformation. Electrum creates and implements solutions and builds projects based on the idea of an individual energy mix, striking a balance between the social and environmental responsibility of the business and its economic aspect.
PAD RES is a Polish developer of clean energy specializing in projects related to renewable energy, infrastructure investments, and commercial real estate. Founded in 2010, the company successfully manages the development of its investments from inception to the “ready for construction” or “ready for operation” stage. In September 2021, the majority of PAD RES shares were acquired by Griffin Capital Partners and Kajima Europe. The group plans to focus on further developing the PAD RES portfolio, which includes investments in photovoltaic and wind projects at various stages of development, both in the developer phase and ready for construction, with a total secured capacity exceeding 1 GW. Such a portfolio places the platform at the forefront of the developing national renewable energy sector.
Electrum Group, a leading Polish Climate Tech business, has begun the implementation of another large-scale project as the general contractor. The construction of two photovoltaic farms with a combined installed capacity of 117.1 MW has just commenced in the locations of Sztum and Mikołajki Pomorskie in the Pomeranian Voivodeship. The completion of both projects is scheduled for spring 2025.
The power plants in Sztum and Mikołajki Pomorskie mark the second collaboration between Electrum and PAD RES, a prominent Polish developer in the clean energy sector, and the sixth major project announced by the contractor this year. In recent months, Electrum has completed work on a joint venture with Nofar Energy on a solar farm in Krzywińskie, and on September 21, as part of its cooperation with investor EDP Renewables, Electrum Group officially inaugurated the construction of a power plant in Przykona. Additionally, Electrum plans to expand into international markets.
„PV Sztum and PV Mikołajki are significant projects for Electrum. We are progressively working towards our goal and utilizing technology and knowledge to build the energy infrastructure of the future. The projected annual production of PV Sztum and PV Mikołajki will have the capacity to power up to 65,000 households” – said Robert Rogowski, Senior Project Manager at Electrum Group.
The Sztum power plant is a comprehensive project, including photovoltaic panels with a capacity of 86.1 MW, spread across two smaller farms with a total area of 113.3 hectares – PV Barlewice (65.8 MW DC) and PV Koślinka (20.3 MW DC). Adequate connections between the components of the complex will be ensured by two medium-voltage power lines of approximately 30 kV and a common length of about 13 kilometers, while the critical point responsible for connecting to the power grid will be the GPO Kępina substation.
The smaller installation, the photovoltaic farm in Mikołajki Pomorskie, has a production capacity of 31 MW on an area of 50 hectares, distributed between PV Mikołajki (5 MW DC) and PV Gdakowo (26 MW DC). In this case, investments have also been made in extensive supporting infrastructure, including nearly 5 kilometers of power lines and a high-voltage line with a length of about 500 meters. The power grid will be connected to the farm through the GPO Mikołajki substation, operating at a voltage of 110/30 kV.
The finalization of formalities related to the implementation was announced in August of this year. The construction of both farms simultaneously began in September, with their completion expected in the spring of 2025.
Electrum Group is a leading Polish Climate Tech business based in Białystok, offering comprehensive solutions in the field of cutting-edge technology development, project construction, and management in the energy and information sectors. The technological maturity of its experts allows them to deliver products and services that respond to the evolving needs of the industry and businesses in line with the ongoing energy transformation. Electrum creates and implements solutions and builds projects based on the idea of an individual energy mix, striking a balance between the social and environmental responsibility of the business and its economic aspect.
Solar farm construction is a unique endeavor that provides society with clean electrical energy and contributes to environmental protection. At the same time, it’s an investment whose profitability continues to grow.
We invite you to watch a video about one of our projects – PV Gryf solar farm:
Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Photovoltaic Farm
Monitoring and Maintenance of Photovoltaic Farms
Investment in Photovoltaic Farm Construction
Renewable Energy EPC Contractors
In Brief
The key stages of building a solar farm include designing, site preparation and foundations, installation of photovoltaic panels, and electrical connections and testing.
In the design phase, important steps include planning the layout of panels and inversion systems, integration with other systems, obtaining permits and complying with regulations, and selecting the solar farm’s location.
Technological advancements in PV panels are increasing the profitability of photovoltaic farms. The construction process of a photovoltaic farm can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the scale of the project, location, weather, and other factors.
The benefits of building photovoltaic farms are immense, both economically and environmentally.
Let’s start by taking a closer look at PV panels.
Photovoltaic panels, also known as PV panels, are the fundamental component of solar farms. They are often one of the highest costs in the investment.
How exactly do they work, and why is the progress in their efficiency so important?
Photovoltaic technology is based on harnessing solar energy to generate electricity. PV panels contain silicon solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity.
Advances in this technology include increased efficiency in converting solar energy into electrical power. New panels are more efficient, allowing for greater energy production from the same amount of sunlight.
Stages of Solar Farm Construction
Solar farm design
The preparation of a solar farm design is a crucial step in the entire project. Planning the layout of panels and inversion systems is essential.
Attention must also be paid to integrating various energy systems within the farm to ensure everything operates smoothly. When creating a solar farm design, it is necessary to consider regulatory and permitting issues.
Designing solar farms also requires analyzing the location. The choice of the farm’s location affects the amount of available sunlight and the efficiency of the panels. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly examine the geographical and climatic conditions to select the optimal site for the farm.
We have extensive design experience and conduct processes to prepare renewable energy facilities for the Ready to Build stage.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Photovoltaic Farm
After the design process is completed, we move on to the construction of the photovoltaic farm. This process involves several key steps.
Site Preparation and Foundations
The construction of a photovoltaic farm begins with preparing the site where the PV panels will be installed. It is essential to clear any obstacles and prepare the land for installation. Foundations are crucial as they provide stability to the photovoltaic panels. They must be properly reinforced and adapted to the local conditions.
Installation of Photovoltaic Panels
Next, we proceed with the installation of the photovoltaic panels. The panels are mounted on the foundations in the appropriate layout to maximize the use of available sunlight. The installation process is carefully monitored to ensure the stability and efficiency of the system.
Electrical Connections and Testing
After the panels are installed, the next phase involves electrical connections and testing. The panels are interconnected and connected to the inversion system, which converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC), suitable for residential or industrial use. Testing is essential to ensure that the entire system operates correctly.
Monitoring and Maintenance of Solar Farms
Once the construction of the farm is completed, it is crucial to monitor its performance and conduct routine maintenance and servicing.
Monitoring systems enable continuous oversight of the photovoltaic panels’ operation. In case of failures or issues, a quick response is possible. Routine maintenance includes cleaning the panels and checking their technical condition.
The construction time of a solar farm depends on factors such as:
The scale of the project and the capacity of the photovoltaic farm,
Location and regulations,
Weather conditions,
Chosen technologies and methods,
Efficiency and experience of the general contractor.
As Electrum Holding, a general contractor for solar farms and other renewable energy facilities, we have completed numerous projects. Below, you’ll find out how long it took to build some of the photovoltaic farms we’ve delivered:
Przykona Solar Farm – just over a year
Krzywińskie Solar Farm – approximately 9 months
If you’re looking for a photovoltaic farm contractor with a rich portfolio, get to know us better!
One cannot overlook the benefits that photovoltaic farms bring. Savings on energy costs are one of the main arguments for investing in the construction of photovoltaic farms. The sun is a free source of energy, and photovoltaic panels allow for its efficient harvesting. This means lower electricity bills for farm owners and potential profits from surplus energy that can be sold back to the grid.
The environmental benefits of building photovoltaic farms are equally important. Photovoltaic farms are environmentally friendly because they do not emit carbon dioxide or other harmful substances into the atmosphere. This significantly reduces the impact on climate change and improves air quality.
Investing in Solar Farm Construction
The cost of building a solar farm depends on factors such as:
Size and Capacity of the Farm: A large photovoltaic farm will require more solar panels, support structures, inverters, and other equipment, which will impact costs.
Location of the Farm: Land costs, availability of energy infrastructure, permit fees, and differences in labor costs can vary significantly depending on the location.
Technology and Equipment: The selected PV panels, inverters, and other components of the photovoltaic farm affect construction costs.
Availability of Materials: Prices for construction materials can vary depending on the region and may change over time.
Labor Costs: Costs associated with hiring workers to install panels and perform other tasks related to the construction of the farm.
Other Factors: Such as project management costs, insurance, costs related to connecting the farm to the energy grid, etc.
Innovations and the Future of Solar Systems
The latest innovations in the field of solar power plants include increased efficiency of photovoltaic panels. New panel technologies allow for more efficient use of sunlight, which increases the overall efficiency of solar farms. Additionally, thin photovoltaic layers are being developed, which can be flexible and easier to install. This opens up new possibilities in the design and use of PV panels.
Challenges and Solutions in Photovoltaic Farm Construction
Solar farm construction construction may encounter various challenges. One of them is obtaining the necessary permits and adhering to regulations concerning renewable energy projects. In some regions, this process can be complicated and time-consuming. Obtaining permits and selecting the location of a solar farm are crucial factors that should be handled with the help of specialists.
Another challenge is managing photovoltaic farm projects. Coordinating the actions of multiple teams, procuring materials, meeting delivery deadlines, and maintaining high safety standards are important issues that need to be considered.
Solar Energy Contractors
Collaborating with an EPC contractor for renewable energy projects (RES) offers many advantages. EPC contractors have extensive experience in designing, building, and managing photovoltaic farms and other renewable energy projects. This allows investors to benefit from expert knowledge, increasing project efficiency and minimizing risk.
Solar energy contractors also handle comprehensive project management, meaning investors can focus on their core activities while specialists take care of all technical and logistical aspects of the project.
Building solar farms is not only economically beneficial but also contributes to environmental protection. The development of photovoltaic technology, investment in renewable energy sources, and collaboration with EPC contractors for renewable energy projects are key factors in building the future of sustainable energy. Photovoltaic farms represent an important step towards more eco-friendly and efficient energy production.
1. What are the main benefits of building solar power plants?
The main benefits of building solar power plants include energy cost savings, the production of clean energy, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, improvement of air quality, and potential profits from surplus energy that can be sold back to the grid. For investors, this also means a stable source of income.
2. Are solar farms profitable in all regions?
Solar farms can be profitable in many regions, especially where there is abundant sunlight. However, the farm’s efficiency depends on location and climatic conditions. Therefore, a thorough analysis of the site and project is essential before constructing a farm.
3. What are the latest technological innovations in solar panels?
The latest innovations in photovoltaic technology focus on increasing the efficiency of converting solar energy into electricity. New panel technologies allow for more efficient use of sunlight. Additionally, thin photovoltaic layers are being developed, which are more flexible and easier to install.
4. What does it mean to be an EPC contractor for renewable energy projects?
EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contractors for renewable energy projects are specialized solar farm construction companies that manage renewable energy projects, including solar, wind power plants, and more. Collaboration with an EPC contractor allows investors to benefit from expertise and professional project management.
5. What challenges might arise during the solar farm construction?
Solar power plant construction can face various challenges, including obtaining the necessary permits and complying with regulations for renewable energy projects. The construction contractor is responsible for executing multiple stages of the project. Coordinating the efforts of multiple teams, procuring materials, meeting delivery deadlines, and maintaining high safety standards are crucial issues. Collaboration with an EPC contractor for renewable energy projects can help effectively manage these challenges.
