Retrofitting is the process of modifying or replacing an existing SCADA system within a solar PV plant to fit the new or changing needs of a site. Over the lifetime of a solar PV plant, the plant's needs will evolve due to changing energy regulations, infrastructure upgrades, and more. The SCADA hardware and software will wear out or become antiquated, requiring upgrades in order to maintain efficiency and effectiveness.
Aging systems can suffer from numerous issues including:
Mitigating these issues is inevitable and necessary to keep the SCADA system doing its job. Using an open architecture SCADA solution simplifies the retrofit process and can make it much more cost-effective.
Open architecture SCADA systems are based on the following:
SCADA system migration involves upgrading the existing system's hardware/software, while preserving much of the system's original design configuration and control strategies.
Potential benefits of migration can include:
Although new and consistent programming standards won't be fully applied using this approach, the overall functionality remains as close to original as possible, and the program can be improved to some extent.
Retrofitting is the practice of upgrading old system components with new components, in order to add additional capabilities or functionality to the existing system. A retrofit uses as much of the existing hardware and infrastructure as possible, saving money on hardware.
Potential benefits of retrofitting can include:
When system migration or retrofitting is not viable, the only option available is a "rip and replacement." This essentially means discarding the existing system and installing a new one from scratch.
A rip and replacement is oftentimes the most expensive option due to all of the new hardware and equipment costs. There are times, however, when it may be more cost-effective or at least much easier to start over with a new system than to try to make an old system work. Learn more about retrofits versus replacements in this article.
Retrofits are common throughout the lifespan of a solar PV site. There are numerous reasons asset owners may consider retrofitting their SCADA system:
Proprietary systems are typically locked, and often require special tools and password protected credentials to work on them. If the OEM SCADA provider stops supporting the solution, there is often little choice but to rip and replace components or sometimes even the entire SCADA system.
Open architecture SCADA systems, on the other hand, are designed to offer better flexibility, scalability, and ease of operability. Using an open architecture SCADA system can help prevent costly rip and replacements for following reasons:
We build and recommend open architecture systems based on established OEMs like GE/Emerson and Rockwell Automation. They have been around for more than a century and will continue to be in business, developing and supporting their equipment and software indefinitely. Each of their product lines have a migration path for at least 25 years and OEM and integrator support is always easily accessible.
In addition to scalability, the primary benefit of an open architecture SCADA system is the long term cost savings over time. Unlike most proprietary systems, there are no annual, ongoing data access fees and licensing fees. There are no restrictive service agreements for troubleshooting support, maintenance, logic modifications, and enhancements. This opens up competition for O&M bids.
Learn more: Advantages of Open Architecture SCADA Solutions
Reduce SCADA Costs With Intelligent Site Design
O&M teams are vital to keeping a solar PV site functioning and producing as it should. A system retrofit can disrupt that if the team must adapt to unfamiliar equipment and processes, and/or if it's difficult to get the training and support they need.
Open architecture SCADA systems based on established OEMs have these advantages for O&M teams:
Asset owners also benefit from the ease of support, which improves efficiency and lowers operating costs.
It is important to communicate to the SCADA engineering team the new hardware requirements and the desired results of the retrofit. It is easier in most cases to retrofit open architecture solution components on the existing SCADA rack, but it can still be a complex process.
It is advisable to share photos of the existing rack and other hardware with the team so that they can assess what's available at the site and suggest solutions. The asset owner should provide as many details as possible for the following hardware and equipment:
As with the hardware retrofit, the engineering team will need to know the requirements and intended results in order to recommend a solution and a suitable execution plan. They will need as much information as possible about the following:
As a leading SCADA integrator within renewables, our engineers are well versed across most platforms and are highly adaptable when it comes to different types of retrofit projects. Rather than go right to recommending a rip and replace, we can work with existing software, hardware, and equipment to add or restore system functionality.
Our open architecture SCADA systems are also designed for adaptability. They are bolt-on compatible, meaning they scale easily by adding, upgrading, or swapping components.
If you have a solar PV retrofit project, or a new project that you want built with future adaptability in mind, we’d be happy to discuss different options and opportunities. Schedule a call with us today.