Solar Power Plant: Definition, Benefits, and Example

As energy needs increase, the existence of clean energy and renewable one becomes one solution to overcome it. One of the renewable energies widely used in Indonesia is the Solar Power Plant (SPP).

Solar Power Plant is a renewable energy technology leveraging the sun to produce electricity using solar panels. To understand more about SPP and its advantages, read more below!

What Is a Solar Power Plant (SPP)?

A Solar Power Plant or SPP is a power plant utilizing the sun as the main energy source, which later is converted into electricity using solar panels. SPP is considered more eco-friendly than nonrenewable energy, such as petroleum and coal because the amount is unlimited and the usage is low greenhouse gas emissions.

SPP can also be leveraged to reduce the reliance on nonrenewable energy, making the Earth and environment greener. In Indonesia, the trend of using rooftop solar power plants has shown significant development.

According to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the installed capacity of rooftop solar power plants was 80 MWp in 2022, increasing to 141 MWp in 2023. This means that Indonesians have started to realize the importance of renewable energy, coupled with government support to encourage the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Globally, the use of solar energy has shown a positive increase. Statista revealed that the solar photovoltaic capacity has increased from 5 gigawatts in 2005 to around 1.6 terawatts in 2023.

In 2023, the installation almost reached 40%, and the investment in solar photovoltaics has grown rapidly along with the growth of renewable energy technologies globally.

How Solar Power Plant Works

The Solar Power Plant works by converting the sun into electricity. Typically, the conversion occurs during the solar thermal or photovoltaic process. Below is how Solar Power Plant works in detail:

1. Solar Panels Capture the Sun Energy

Solar panels have photovoltaic cells that function to capture energy from sunlight. These cells have semiconductor materials like silicon that can produce electricity when exposed to sunlight.

2. Energy Conversion

When the sunlight is captured by photovoltaic cells in the solar panels, the electrons on the semiconductors will move and provide direct current (DC).

3. Altering Current from DC to AC

The DC produced by photovoltaic cells must be altered to alternating current (AC) to make it usable. This process of changing electric current is carried out using an inverter.

4. Energy Storing and Distribution

Electricity can now be provided to homes or utilized by industries as the current has been changed to AC. In addition, the unused electricity can be stored in batteries and utilized when the sun is unavailable, such as during nighttime or cloudy days.

Types of Solar Power Plant

Several types of Solar Power Plants (SPP) can be used based on the needs, such as on-grid, off-grid, hybrid, rooftop SPP, and solar floater. The further information is as follows:

1. Off-Grid Solar Panel

This SPP is not connected directly to the main electric network. Generally, off-grid solar panels are used in areas that are not reached by the electricity network. It usually has batteries to store electricity so that it can be used when the sun is unavailable.

2. Rooftop Solar Panel

The rooftop solar panels are installed on the building’s rooftop. It is commonly used in Indonesia, especially in houses and offices. Typically, a rooftop solar panel is used to fulfill the electricity needs of the building.

3. On-Grid Solar Panel

The on-grid solar panels are connected to the main electric network. Thus, the electricity can be directly distributed and used together with conventional electrical energy.

4. Hybrid Solar Panel

Hybrid solar panels combine SPP with other energy sources, like generators or diesels. As a result, this solar panel can leverage the energy from the sun and utilize the generator when the sun is unavailable.

5. Solar Floater

The solar floater is a solar panel installed floating on a water surface, such as on dams or lakes. This innovation is considered more land-saving because it is not installed on the land and can help reduce evaporation on lakes or dams.

The Advantages of Solar Power Plant

As one of the renewable energies, the Solar Power Plant (SPP) has numerous benefits for the community and environment, such as:

1. Unlimited

The first benefit is that SPP is an unlimited renewable energy source. This means that humans can use it sustainably without worrying about running out in the future.

2. Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

SPP is famous for being environmentally friendly because it can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The energy conversion process to electricity does not emit greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.

3. Lowering the Reliance on Fossil Energy

By using a Solar Power Plant, you can also stop relying on fossil energy which is nonrenewable and rare energy. Reducing dependence on this energy can also lower emissions and pollution.

4. Energy Independence

The use of SPP can increase energy independence because you no longer depend entirely on energy price dynamics and conventional electricity providers.

5. Saving Electricity Cost

Using SPP can help you save conventional electricity costs. The initial installation might be pricey, but when it is ready, you can use it long-term without any worry of running out of energy. The operational costs are also relatively lower, so you can still save your budget.

6. Improving Property Value

Recently, properties like houses and buildings that have solar panels have a higher selling price. This is also related to the increasing demand for renewable energy solutions.

Example of Solar Power Plant in Indonesia

Now, you already figured out the definition of SPP, how it works, and its benefits. The use of SPP in Indonesia is getting bigger and more common. One of the SPP development companies in Indonesia is Krakatau Chandra Energi (KCE).

KCE is the subsidiary of the Chandra Asri Group in the energy solution sector, offering various services, one of them being new renewable energy through Solar Power Plant development. KCE serves three types of solar panel installation, namely on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid.

These options can provide solar panel installation solutions according to customer needs. In addition to solar panels, KCE also has a business providing energy and electrical services.

Those are information about Solar Power plants that you can learn. By using clean and renewable energy, you can contribute to a greener and low-emission Earth and environment!