Building a solar power plant is a task that requires an investment of time and expertise from different groups working together.
First, a plot of land must be purchased, large enough to accommodate the number of solar panels required. The land must be evaluated to determine how many panels can be installed and what electrical output capacity can be produced, as well as the environmental impact. Initial permissions must be obtained to begin site development. A power purchase agreement (PPA) is negotiated with a company that will purchase the electrical output of the plant. After that it’s time to apply for the generator permit, get the PPA approved, and secure the financing of the project.
Then it’s time to build. Thousands of solar panels are mounted on large metal racks attached to vertical poles driven into the ground. The panels are connected by wires to a power inverter, which changes the direct current (DC) output into the alternating current (AC) required by a power grid. When building a 200MW solar farm, between 50 and 100 inverters may be needed. A substation is built to raise the voltage so that electricity can be transmitted over long distances through power lines.
After construction, there is inspection and testing to verify quality, safety and reliability. Only then will the solar farm be ready to operate and be connected to the grid.