IEA  PVPS Task 6: Design and Operating of Modular PV Systems for Large-Scale Power Generation drew to a close in December 1997 with a workshop for the PV industry, utilities, and RE programme managers.

Task 6 was primarily concerned with the development of modular systems - in the order of several hundred kW - for peaking and long-term baseload power generation purposes. With proper planning design and construction, modular plant of this scale can be extended to much large multi-megawatt installations.

The presentations and discussions during the two day workshop, which was held in Madrid, Spain, followed three main themes:

• The design of Large-scale Photovoltaic (LSPV) plants from modules, supports, grid-interface and control systems to quality issues and plant siting.
• Operational experience, including costs and performance, gained from existing plants such as the 3,3 MW installation at Serre, Italy and Sacramento Municipal Utility District's 2 MW plant, and
• Perspectives from governments, utilities and industrial organisations interested in progressing the concept of LSPV, including the financing and promotion of large projects of this kind.

The forum concluded with a glance to the future, considering the possibility of Very Large Scale PV plants, which is the focus of a proposed new PVPS task. From the discussions at the workshop, it is clear that there is considerable interest to take the process on to this next stage.

Task 6 has helped consolidate the world-wide experience of five years of operation of large-scale PV, in a number of state-of-the-art reports, and culminating in the Proceedings of this workshop. Further information is available through the Operating Agent of Task 8.

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