SolarEdge inverters and power optimizers have been selected for a network of 200 electric car fast-charging stations.
According to DomesticFuel, the Fastned charging network will be located throughout the Netherlands and be partially powered by 3 megawatts of distributed solar power.
Each charging station will feature either a 10 kW or 20 kW solar array that incorporates 20 or 40 power optimizers respectively and one SolarEdge inverter.
The SolarEdge Power Optimizer ensures solar panels are constantly kept at maximum power point (MPP) and prevent electricity losses due to module mismatch or partial shading conditions. The P600 model, which will be used for the Fastned project, allows for two panels to be connected to a single power optimizer; whereas the OP-250LV version is for a single panel.
So far, 5 stations have been constructed; with another 4 to be completed soon. All the stations will be constructed at existing petrol stations and vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf can be fast charged to 80% in 15 -30 minutes. Fastned will support all charging standards including CCS (DC Combo II), CHAdeMO and AC up to 22/43kW.
When the full 200 charging stations throughout the Netherlands are in place by 2015, it will form a nationwide network allowing EV owners an opportunity to charge their vehicles every 40 km of highway; meaning the entire Netherlands will be able to be reached by electric car.
In addition to the self-generated clean electricity; Fastned sources the balance of power required to run its stations via Greenchoice; which supplies electricity from the Sternweg wind park near the Dutch municipality of Zeewolde.
The project hasn’t been without its challenges. Last year, a group of Dutch petrol station owners reportedly took the Dutch government to court, claiming the Fastned project would be “unfair competition“.
