The core database holds information about known photovoltaic generating projects. It records the project name, location, generating capacity and site area. It also stores key design data such as the projected annual output and carbon emission savings. The database also records, where known, the key project participants; namely the owner, the developer, the EPC contractor, the solar module and inverter suppliers and the utility to which the electrical output is delivered. This database enables the extraction of global data on deployment of utility-scale solar generation, used by many industry authorities. Most of the projects in the List of photovoltaic power stations are shown in the database and on the mapping.
Definition of utility-scale solar power
Projects are included in the database where they meet the definition for 'utility-scale solar'. The debate on this definition was initiated by the Berkeley Energy and Resources Cooperative. Wiki-Solar concluded that it would set the threshold to include all systems above 4MW AC.
Basis of capacity data
This information resource has now standardized on quoting capacity figures in MWAC This avoids the issue where some plant capacities are quoted in megawatts peak, the DC output of the solar array; while others are in MWAC, the output delivered to the grid. The AC measure was selected to make it comparable to ratings of other electricity generation technologies.
Mapping
Wiki-Solar's mapping shows markers for all projects over 10 megawatts peak, where the location is known. Many projects between 5 and 10 MWP are also shown, and differentiated with smaller markers. The maps differentiate between operating projects, and those under construction and planned. The few decommissioned projects are also shown.
Site plans
A separate mapping system shows the actual site footprints of all projects where the site area is known. Some of these are now visible on published satellite views, while others have been taken from site plans, but should appear on satellite photography in the future.
Statistical analysis
Based on the many projects recorded on the database, Wiki-Solar produces statistics on a global and regional basis showing key parameters such as the site area per megawatt of capacity and the annual energy delivered. Based on at the applicable local energy costs and carbon intensities, it derives a value index for each geographic region.
National analysis
Wiki-Solar lists the leading countries based on their deployment of utility scale of photovoltaic power stations and summarises data by continent. It also shows trends to indicate the relative progress in different countries, and is referenced by other experts in the sector. For the purpose of this analysis, the data is based on installations of 4 MWAC and above in accordance with Wiki-Solar's definition of 'utility-scale'. Individual national maps are available for countries with a significant number of installations.
Annual data
After the end of each year statistics are provided showing the year's figures for each country alongside the cumulative capacity to date. The global capacity of utility-scale PVpower generation at the end of 2013 was reported to be 21 GW. The global capacity of utility-scale PV power generation at the end of 2014 was reported to be 36 GW. The global capacity of utility-scale PV power generation at the end of 2015 was reported to be over 60 GW. The global capacity of utility-scale PV power generation at the end of 2016 was reported to be 96 GW. The global capacity of utility-scale PV power generation at the end of 2017 was reported to be 137 GW. The global capacity of utility-scale PV power generation at the end of 2018 was reported to be c. 180 GW. The global capacity of utility-scale PV power generation at the end of 2019 was reported to be c. 220 GW.
Company analysis
Using a similar calculation basis to the National analysis above, Wiki-Solar produces lists of the leading participants for each of the major roles described above, again used by industry analysts. Individual maps are available for companies with a significant number of installations.
Solar Photovoltaic Projects in the mainstream power market' was published by Routledge in October 2012 and written by Philip Wolfe. It covers all aspects of the development, construction and operation of utility scale of photovoltaic generating stations.
