PVparken

PVparken is a term used for large-scale ground-mounted photovoltaic installations that generate electricity from sunlight. These facilities, often called solar parks or solar farms in English, are designed to produce electricity at utility scale by deploying many photovoltaic modules arranged in rows on supporting racking systems. They are typically connected to the electrical grid through a substation and operate with inverters that convert direct current produced by the panels into alternating current for transmission.

Design and operation

PVparken can use fixed-tilt or tracking systems that adjust the panel angle to maximize solar capture. The layout aims to optimize land use, reduce shading, and allow maintenance access. Key components include the solar modules, racking structures, inverters, transformers, a monitoring and control system, and security fencing. The land may be rural or previously used for agriculture, and site planning considers drainage, soil stability, and biodiversity. Typical projects range from several megawatts to hundreds of megawatts in installed capacity, with land-use densities varying by system design and local conditions. The expected lifetime is often 25–30 years, after which decommissioning and recycling plans are implemented.

Economic and policy context

PVparken rely on long-term power purchase agreements or market sales, supported by policy instruments such as feed-in tariffs, auctions, or subsidies in some regions. Costs have fallen sharply over the past decade, improving competitiveness with conventional generation. Environmental considerations include land-use impact, habitat protection, and potential dual-use approaches such as agrivoltaics, where agriculture and solar generation share the land.

Global status

PVparken are widely deployed worldwide, spanning Europe, Asia, the Americas, and beyond, with project sizes and ownership models varying by country and local regulations.