Industry Solution

Solar Power Distribution Solutions

End-to-end electrical balance-of-system solutions for solar PV plants — from inverter AC output to grid interconnection point.

Industry Overview

Solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants require specialized electrical infrastructure to convert inverter output into grid-compatible power. The journey from DC solar arrays to AC grid connection involves multiple critical components: inverter step-up transformers, medium-voltage (MV) switchgear, ring main units (RMU), reactive power compensation, and SCADA monitoring systems.

Ziyao Power provides a complete electrical BoS (Balance of System) package for solar developers and EPC contractors. Our IEC-certified equipment is designed for the unique demands of solar applications: bi-directional power flow, harmonic-rich inverter output, wide temperature variations in desert/field installations, and compliance with stringent grid codes across Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Whether you're building a 50MW utility-scale solar park in Saudi Arabia, a 5MW commercial rooftop system, or an off-grid solar mini-grid in rural Africa, we configure the right combination of transformers, switchgear, and protection equipment — all pre-tested, pre-documented, and delivered to site on schedule.

Key Demand Drivers

Global Solar Capacity Expansion

Over 500GW of new solar PV is expected by 2030. Each MW requires approximately 1.1MVA of transformer capacity plus associated switchgear and grid connection equipment.

Grid Code Compliance

Modern solar plants must meet strict grid codes: fault ride-through (FRT), reactive power capability, power quality standards (IEEE 519), and communication protocols (IEC 61850). Our equipment is pre-tested for compliance.

Cost-Per-Watt Optimization

EPCs are under intense pressure to reduce BoS costs. Our integrated transformer + switchgear packages minimize field installation work, reduce civil costs, and simplify commissioning.

Extreme Environment Operation

Solar plants in desert (Middle East), high-altitude (Andes), tropical (SE Asia), and coastal environments need equipment rated for extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, and salt spray.

Hybrid & Storage Integration

Solar + BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) projects need bi-directional transformers and switchgear capable of managing power flow in both directions.

Accelerated Project Timelines

Solar developers face tight COD deadlines with LD penalties. Our pre-engineered, pre-tested packages reduce on-site commissioning time by 40-60%.

Recommended Products

Step-Up Transformers

S22-M

Oil-immersed S22-M series with dual-voltage taps, designed for inverter-side harmonics, bi-directional flow, and outdoor installation at solar array field edge.

Rating500–5000 kVA
Primary (LV)0.4kV / 0.6kV / 0.8kV
Secondary (MV)11kV / 13.8kV / 33kV
Vector GroupDyn11 / YNd11
CoolingONAN (outdoor)
StandardIEC 60076 / IEEE C57

Available with K-factor rating for harmonic-heavy inverter output and electrostatic shielding between windings.

View S22-M Series

MV Ring Main Units (RMU)

RMU

SF6-insulated RMUs for solar array field MV collection network. Modular, maintenance-free, remote-controllable for SCADA integration.

Voltage12kV / 24kV
Configuration3-way / 4-way, extensible
Load Break Switch630A
ProtectionVacuum CB + relay
StandardIEC 62271-200
Remote ControlIEC 61850 ready
View RMU Series

MV Metal-Clad Switchgear

KYN28

KYN28-12 MV switchgear for main solar substation, utility interconnection, and feeder protection with microprocessor relays.

Voltage12kV / 24kV
Busbar1250A–2500A
BreakerVacuum, 25–31.5kA
ControlMicroprocessor, IEC 61850
StandardIEC 62271-200
View KYN28 Series

Prefabricated Substation (PV Station)

YB

YB Series solar skid — transformer + MV switchgear + LV AC board pre-installed in a weatherproof containerized housing. Plug-and-play at site.

TransformerUp to 2500 kVA
MV SwitchgearRMU or CB panel
LV AC BoardInverter input breakers
EnclosureIP54, 20ft/40ft container
Aux PowerSelf-contained station service

Containerized PV station reduces site civil work, wiring, and commissioning time by 60%.

View YB Series
Typical Applications
☀️

Utility-Scale Solar Farm

50MW–500MW ground-mount PV plants with 33kV collector network, main step-up substation, and grid interconnection at 132kV/220kV.

🏢

Commercial Rooftop Solar

500kW–5MW rooftop installations with LV AC combiner panels, step-up to 11kV, and utility connection.

🔋

Solar + Battery Storage

Hybrid PV+BESS plants with bi-directional transformers managing charge/discharge cycles and grid export.

🌾

Agri-Voltaics

Agricultural solar systems combining crop production with PV generation — compact outdoor transformers with minimal footprint.

🏝️

Remote Mini-Grids

Off-grid and island solar systems with containerized substations for rapid deployment in remote locations.

🌊

Floating Solar PV

Water-surface solar arrays requiring humidity-resistant, corrosion-protected electrical equipment on floating platforms.

Reference System Layout

Reference: 100MW Solar Farm — Electrical BoS

Typical electrical balance-of-system configuration for a 100MW utility-scale solar PV plant with 33kV MV collection network and grid interconnection. This is a reference configuration based on industry standards, not a specific customer project.

EquipmentQtySpecification
Inverter Step-Up Transformers40 unitsS22-M 2500kVA, 0.8/33kV, Dyn11, ONAN, outdoor
MV RMU (Field Collection)10 sets33kV, 3-way SF6 RMU, 630A, extensible
Main Power Transformer2 unitsS22-M 60/75MVA, 33/132kV, YNd11, ONAN/ONAF
33kV MV Switchgear1 setKYN61-40.5, 2000A, 31.5kA, 10 feeders + 2 incomers
132kV GIS / AIS1 bayLine bay with CB, CT, VT, disconnector, surge arrester
Reactive Compensation2 sets±20 MVAR STATCOM or switched capacitor banks
SCADA & Protection1 systemIEC 61850 Substation Automation, RTU, fault recorder
Station Service2 unitsSCB13 200kVA, 33/0.4kV, dry-type, auxiliary transformer
Applicable Standards
IEC 60076 — Power TransformersIEC 62271-200 — MV Metal-Enclosed SwitchgearIEC 61850 — Substation AutomationIEEE 519 — Harmonic ControlIEC 62446 — PV System DocumentationGrid Code: Saudi Arabia SECGrid Code: South Africa RPPISO 9001:2015
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the typical transformer size per MW of solar?

Standard sizing: 1.1–1.25 MVA of transformer capacity per MW of solar. For a 100MW plant, you typically need 40× 2.5MVA inverter transformers plus 2× 60MVA main step-up transformers.

Q: Do solar transformers need special harmonic rating?

Yes. Inverters produce harmonic currents that cause additional heating. We supply transformers with K-factor rating (typically K-4 to K-13), electrostatic shielding between HV and LV windings, and oversized neutral conductors for 3rd harmonic handling.

Q: What is the typical voltage configuration for a solar plant?

Most common: Inverter LV (400V–800V) → Step-up to 33kV → Collector network → Main transformer 33/132kV or 33/220kV for grid connection. Some markets use 11kV or 13.8kV as collection voltage for smaller plants.

Q: Can you provide containerized transformer + switchgear packages?

Yes, our YB Series solar skid is a complete containerized solution: transformer + MV switchgear + LV AC board + station service + SCADA panel — all pre-wired and factory-tested. Reduces on-site installation from weeks to days.

Q: What grid code compliance testing do you provide?

We support grid code compliance with pre-tested packages, factory acceptance tests (FAT) witnessed by owner's engineer, and on-site commissioning tests: FRT (fault ride-through), voltage/reactive power control, and power quality verification.

Q: Do you supply to solar EPCs directly?

Yes, we work directly with solar EPC contractors and developers. We offer competitive bulk pricing, consolidated shipments, and dedicated project management for large solar farm orders.

Power Your Solar Project with IEC-Certified Equipment

Tell us your solar plant capacity, grid voltage, and timeline — we'll provide a complete electrical BoS proposal with pricing, SLD, and delivery schedule.