Technical data and scope of work
The entire SKV Büttel solar park has an installed capacity of 31.574 MWp. Greenbuddies is responsible for revamping the majority part of the park, covering 19.603 MWp. The project includes a complete replacement of system components. A total of 87,100 old 225 Wp panels are dismantled and replaced by 27,515 new modules, each with a capacity ranging from 705 to 715 Wp. Similarly, approximately 1,180 inverters from 10 to 15 kW will be removed and replaced with 220 Huawei 115 KTL inverters, delivering an output of 30 MWp on the AC side.
The scope of work handled by Greenbuddies includes dismantling the existing PV panels, inverters, and cabling, followed by the installation of new components and full commissioning. A key role in this project is played by the in-house installation team. The project is led by an experienced project manager, and work began in May 2025, with completion scheduled for August 2025.
Project challenges and objectives
As is often the case, one of the main challenges lies in the environmental conditions and weather. The proximity of the North Sea and the Elbe River means a high groundwater level, which, combined with frequent rainfall and strong winds, complicates construction and installation work. Soft, waterlogged ground and numerous on-site canals hinder logistics and the distribution of materials. Moreover, the original cabling had suffered water damage over time, necessitating the use of more water-resistant replacements. The lack of complete documentation of the original installation also presents a challenge, requiring the team to be especially flexible and resourceful.
The SKV Büttel project brings significant benefits not only to the client but also to the surrounding region. The site is strategically important from an energy perspective, being located near several wind turbines, other solar farms, and a local electrical substation. It thus contributes to the broader transformation of Germany's energy landscape. For Greenbuddies, the project is a key milestone in the strategy of expanding technical know-how in large-scale ground-mounted PV and revamping, as well as strengthening internal capacities for complex EPC projects.
The SKV Büttel revamping project stands as a textbook example of how existing PV installations can be maintained and optimized using modern approaches. Despite the challenging weather and technical conditions, the project is progressing on schedule while meeting high quality standards. It further strengthens Greenbuddies' position as a reliable partner in the field of sustainable energy across Europe.
What is revamping and why do we need it?
Revamping is a specific type of repowering — a modernization of a PV installation where the overall installed capacity remains the same, but the technical condition and operational reliability of the system are significantly improved, often by replacing components like modules and inverters only in part of the original area. Repowering in general refers to the replacement of aging PV components — primarily panels and inverters — with newer, more efficient technologies. This process increases performance and economic returns without the need to expand the PV plant’s physical footprint.
Solar panels installed around 2010 achieved a maximum efficiency of approximately 14%, while today's panels allow for efficiency of up to 24%. Advances in technology, combined with the natural wear and tear of older equipment, put photovoltaic power plant owners in a situation where modernization is a logical and necessary step. Today, one new panel can replace up to two older ones in terms of performance.
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