Name: Huaneng Geermu Solar Park
Address: CN

Overview

The Huaneng Geermu Solar Park is a 50 MWp photovoltaic power station located in the Qinghai Province of China. Operated by Huaneng, the facility is currently operational and serves as a significant example of solar energy infrastructure in the region. The plant utilizes a combination of fixed tilt arrays and single-axis tracking sections to optimize energy capture. The total installed capacity of 50 MWp is divided into distinct phases, each employing specific module technologies and manufacturers to achieve the aggregate output. The design incorporates both amorphous and polycrystalline silicon modules, reflecting the technological landscape at the time of construction.

Technical Configuration and Phases

The facility is structured into Phase I and Phase II. Phase I has a capacity of 5 MW. The first section of Phase II contributes 15 MW to the total capacity. A second section, designated as the Huaneng Geermu Phase II Solar Power Generation Project, adds 30 MWp. This second section includes a 5 MW tracking section, while the remaining 25 MW utilizes fixed tilt configurations. The plant also features a 0.25 MW single-axis tracking section and a 5 MW single-axis tracking section within its broader layout. The technical specifications include 2 MW of amorphous silicon GS-50 modules from GS Solar, rated at 50 Watts each. The remaining 18 MW of the initial sections uses polycrystalline silicon TW230(28)B modules from Tianwei New Energy PV Module, rated at 230 Watts each.

Module Specifications

The Huaneng Geermu Phase II Solar Power Generation Project employs specific module types for its 30 MWp capacity. Of this, 15 MW uses TW235P60-FA2 modules from Tianwei New Energy PV Module. Another 10 MW utilizes YL235PT-29b modules from Yingli. The final 5 MW uses TSM-235PC05 modules from Trina Solar. All modules in this phase are rated at 235 Watts. The integration of these diverse module types and tracking systems allows for a comprehensive evaluation of photovoltaic performance in the Qinghai Province environment. The facility remains under the operation of Huaneng, maintaining its status as an operational solar farm with a total capacity of 50 MWp.

Technical Specifications and Module Types

The Huaneng Geermu Solar Park utilizes a heterogeneous mix of photovoltaic technologies, combining fixed-tilt arrays with single-axis tracking sections to optimize energy yield. The facility incorporates both amorphous silicon and polycrystalline silicon modules from multiple manufacturers, reflecting a phased deployment strategy. The park’s technical configuration is divided into distinct sections, each employing specific module types and mounting systems.

Phase I and Initial Phase II Deployment

The initial section of Phase II adds 15 MW. Within this 15 MW segment, 2 MW utilize amorphous silicon modules. These are GS-50 modules manufactured by GS Solar, with each unit rated at 50 Watts. The remaining 13 MW of this specific section employs polycrystalline silicon modules. These are TW230(28)B modules produced by Tianwei New Energy PV Module, rated at 230 Watts each. This section primarily uses fixed-tilt array configurations.

Phase II Expansion and Tracking Sections

This expansion includes a 5 MW single-axis tracking section. The remaining 25 MW of this phase uses fixed-tilt mounting. This 25 MW segment is composed of three different polycrystalline silicon module types, all rated at 235 Watts.

Module Comparison

Module Model	Manufacturer	Technology	Rated Wattage	Capacity Allocation
GS-50	GS Solar	Amorphous Silicon	50 W	2 MW
TW230(28)B	Tianwei New Energy PV Module	Polycrystalline Silicon	230 W	13 MW
TW235P60-FA2	Tianwei New Energy PV Module	Polycrystalline Silicon	235 W	15 MW
YL235PT-29b	Yingli	Polycrystalline Silicon	235 W	10 MW
TSM-235PC05	Trina Solar	Polycrystalline Silicon	235 W	5 MW

The facility does not use a single uniform module type. Instead, the 50 MWp total capacity is distributed across these five specific module models. The majority of the park relies on polycrystalline silicon technology, with the amorphous silicon GS-50 modules representing a smaller, specialized portion of the array. The tracking sections are integrated within the Phase II expansion, specifically the 5 MW tracking segment.

Array Configuration and Tracking Systems

The Huaneng Geermu Solar Park employs a hybrid array configuration, combining fixed-tilt photovoltaic modules with single-axis tracking systems to optimize energy yield across different sections of the facility. The majority of the installed capacity relies on fixed-tilt arrays, which provide a cost-effective and mechanically simple solution for large-scale deployment in the Qinghai Province environment. However, specific subsections utilize single-axis tracking technology to enhance performance by following the sun's path throughout the day.

Tracking System Distribution

According to the, the solar park includes distinct tracking sections with varying capacities. There is a 0.25 MW single-axis tracking section and a 5 MW single-axis tracking section within the initial phases of the project. Additionally, the Huaneng Geermu Phase II Solar Power Generation Project, which adds 30 MWp to the total capacity, includes another 5 MW tracking section. This means that tracking systems account for a specific portion of the total 50 MWp capacity, while the remaining capacity is distributed across fixed-tilt arrays.

Fixed Tilt Array Composition

The fixed-tilt sections constitute the bulk of the solar park's infrastructure. In the first section of Phase II, 15 MW is deployed using fixed-tilt arrays. The Phase II project also includes 25 MW of fixed-tilt capacity. These fixed-tilt sections utilize specific photovoltaic modules from various manufacturers.

In the Phase II project, the fixed-tilt capacity is further diversified. 15 MW uses TW235P60-FA2 modules from Tianwei New Energy PV Module, 10 MW uses YL235PT-29b modules from Yingli, and 5 MW uses TSM-235PC05 modules from Trina Solar. All of these modules are rated at 235 Watts. This mix of module technologies and manufacturers reflects the strategic procurement and technological choices made during the development of the Huaneng Geermu Solar Park.

Project Phases and Development

The Huaneng Geermu Solar Park was developed in distinct construction phases to reach its total installed capacity of 50 MWp. The project structure separates the initial deployment from the subsequent expansion, known as the Huaneng Geermu Phase II Solar Power Generation Project.

Phase I and First Section of Phase II

The initial Phase I of the solar park comprises a capacity of 5 MW. This was followed by the first section of Phase II, which added 15 MW to the installation. These early sections utilize a mix of photovoltaic module technologies. A portion of this capacity, specifically 2 MW, is generated using amorphous silicon modules.

The remaining 18 MW of this early construction phase relies on polycrystalline silicon technology. This section employs TW230(28)B modules produced by Tianwei New Energy PV Module. Each of these modules is rated at 230 Watts. The structural design for most of these initial arrays consists of fixed tilt mounts, optimizing for the local solar irradiance profile in Qinghai Province.

Huaneng Geermu Phase II Solar Power Generation Project

The second major development stage is designated as the Huaneng Geermu Phase II Solar Power Generation Project. This phase adds a total of 30 MWp to the park’s capacity. The design of this section incorporates both fixed tilt and single-axis tracking systems to enhance energy yield. A specific 5 MW subsection utilizes single-axis tracking technology.

The photovoltaic modules used in this 30 MWp phase are all rated at 235 Watts, though they are sourced from multiple manufacturers. This diversification of suppliers occurred within the same power rating class.

Across the entire park, tracking technology is limited to specific sections. There is a 0.25 MW single-axis tracking section and a 5 MW single-axis tracking section, with the vast majority of the 50 MWp capacity relying on fixed tilt configurations. The operator, Huaneng, manages this operational mix in Qinghai Province.

Why it matters

The Huaneng Geermu Solar Park is significant not merely for its 50 MWp installed capacity, but for its role as a detailed multi-technology demonstration site within the Qinghai Province of China. Unlike monolithic solar farms that rely on a single module type or mounting system, this facility was engineered to test and compare the performance of diverse photovoltaic technologies under identical climatic conditions. This approach provides valuable operational data for energy researchers and engineers analyzing the efficiency of different silicon types and tracking mechanisms in a high-altitude, high-irradiance environment.

Comparative Module Technology

The park features a distinct split in photovoltaic module technology, allowing for direct comparison between amorphous and polycrystalline silicon. A 2 MW section utilizes amorphous silicon GS-50 modules manufactured by GS Solar. These modules are rated at 50 Watts each, representing a specific technology choice for certain lighting conditions. This juxtaposition of lower-wattage amorphous cells against higher-wattage polycrystalline cells offers insights into energy yield per unit area and temperature coefficients.

Diverse Manufacturer Portfolio

The facility further demonstrates supply chain diversity through its Phase II expansion, known as the Huaneng Geermu Phase II Solar Power Generation Project. This 30 MWp addition incorporates modules from three different major manufacturers. A 10 MW segment employs YL235PT-29b modules from Yingli. Notably, all modules in this phase are rated at 235 Watts, enabling a standardized comparison of performance metrics across different brand engineering and manufacturing tolerances.

Tracking vs. Fixed Tilt Analysis

Beyond module type, the park serves as a testbed for mounting system efficiency. The majority of the installation uses fixed tilt arrays, which are generally lower in cost and maintenance. However, the facility includes dedicated sections for single-axis tracking. Phase II includes an additional 5 MW tracking section, with the remaining 25 MW of that phase returning to fixed tilt. This configuration allows operators to quantify the energy yield gain from tracking systems against their mechanical complexity and cost, providing a nuanced understanding of optimal deployment strategies in the Qinghai region.

What distinguishes Huaneng Geermu from other solar parks?

The Huaneng Geermu Solar Park is distinguished by its experimental hybrid configuration of mounting systems and a diverse portfolio of photovoltaic module technologies, deployed to evaluate performance under the specific conditions of the Qinghai Province location. Rather than relying on a single standardized array, the facility integrates fixed tilt arrays with single-axis tracking sections. The park includes a 0.25 MW single-axis tracking section and a larger 5 MW single-axis tracking section, contrasting with the predominant fixed tilt installations across the site. This mix allows for comparative analysis of energy yield between static and dynamically oriented panels within the same environmental context.

Module Technology Diversity

The solar park utilizes a specific combination of amorphous and polycrystalline silicon modules from multiple manufacturers, providing a real-world testbed for different cell technologies. A 2 MW section employs amorphous silicon GS-50 modules from GS Solar, with each module rated at 50 Watts. This juxtaposition of lower-wattage amorphous cells and higher-wattage polycrystalline cells highlights the technological diversity present in the early phases of the project.

The second section, known as the Huaneng Geermu Phase II Solar Power Generation Project, adds 30 MWp of capacity, including a 5 MW tracking section and 25 MW of fixed tilt arrays. This phase further diversifies the module supply chain. All modules in this phase are rated at 235 Watts, allowing for a direct comparison of performance between Tianwei, Yingli, and Trina Solar products under identical operating conditions. This structured variation in hardware specifications makes the Huaneng Geermu Solar Park a notable case study in photovoltaic technology integration and comparative efficiency analysis.

How does the module selection impact performance?

The Huaneng Geermu Solar Park employs a heterogeneous mix of photovoltaic technologies, combining amorphous silicon and polycrystalline silicon modules with varying wattage ratings and mounting systems. This diversity allows for a comparative analysis of performance characteristics within a single operational site. This significant difference in module rating and technology type introduces distinct performance profiles.

Technology and Rating Differences

The use of 50 Watt amorphous silicon modules contrasts sharply with the 230 Watt and 235 Watt polycrystalline modules used elsewhere in the park. Amorphous silicon technology typically offers different temperature coefficients and low-light performance compared to polycrystalline silicon. The lower wattage of the GS-50 modules implies a larger physical footprint per megawatt of installed capacity compared to the higher-rated polycrystalline alternatives. This affects land use efficiency and balance-of-system costs. The polycrystalline modules from Tianwei, Yingli, and Trina Solar, all rated at 235 Watts in Phase II, represent a more standardized approach to module selection for higher capacity sections.

Tracking vs. Fixed Tilt Configurations

Module selection is further complicated by the mounting systems employed. Most of the park uses fixed tilt arrays, but specific sections utilize single-axis tracking. A 0.25 MW and a 5 MW section in the first phase use single-axis tracking. In Phase II, a 5 MW tracking section is included. Tracking systems generally increase energy yield by following the sun’s path, optimizing the angle of incidence. The combination of tracking systems with specific module types can enhance performance, particularly in the high-altitude, high-irradiance environment of Qinghai Province. The remaining capacity in Phase II, totaling 25 MW, uses fixed tilt configurations with 15 MW of Tianwei TW235P60-FA2 modules, 10 MW of Yingli YL235PT-29b modules, and 5 MW of Trina Solar TSM-235PC05 modules.

Implications for Energy Yield

The mixed technology approach impacts the overall energy yield of the Huaneng Geermu Solar Park. The amorphous silicon modules may perform differently under varying temperature and irradiance conditions compared to the polycrystalline modules. The tracking sections likely contribute a disproportionate share of the energy output relative to their installed capacity. The standardization of module ratings at 235 Watts in Phase II suggests a move towards optimizing maintenance and performance predictability. The park’s design reflects a strategic experimentation with different PV technologies and mounting systems to maximize energy production in the specific environmental conditions of Qinghai Province.