Sungrow Solutions supports the project in Greece for the production of clean water Page 1

ATHENS, Greece, September 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Sungrow, a leading global supplier of PV inverters and energy storage systems, has announced that its products and solutions have been selected to equip a PV project on the Greek island of Kimolos, built for the municipality of Kimolos by Zillion EPC. The project will provide sustainable energy and, among other things, support the production of clean water through seawater desalination for the needs of the island’s residents and numerous visitors.

The 100kWp photovoltaic system in Kimolos is installed near the new desalination plant of the Kimolos municipality with a capacity of 220 meters³/day (the average water consumption per person is 0.1440 meters³/day*) and connects to the low-voltage network of the grid, ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the station. The project consists of 238 units of 420W PV modules. Since the environmental conditions in Kimolos can be quite harsh, including gusty winds, high temperatures, high humidity and a salty environment, Zillion opted for Sungrow’s SG50CX-P2 string inverters, known for their efficiency and reliability. These inverters are compatible with high-power modules (+500Wp) and have smart O&M functions, while featuring a robust design that is certified with IP66 protection and C5 corrosion resistance. For the system’s communication, Sungrow’s COM100E smart communication box was chosen, which offers flexible, reliable and easy operation, along with a high level of protection thanks to its IP66 design. The products were supplied through Krannich Solar Greece, Sungrow’s official distributor.

Kimolos is located in the southwest of the Cyclades island group, about 85 nautical miles southeast of Piraeus, the largest port in GreeceWith an area of ​​34.4 square kilometers, it is home to just over 810 inhabitants according to the latest census (2021), a number that rises to many thousands during the summer period, as this beautiful destination attracts tourists from all over the world.

The growing population, combined with climate change, poses a major challenge to the island’s water supply, especially in the summer months. One solution is seawater desalination, a well-known but energy-intensive practice used to address global water scarcity. Nearly a fifth of the world’s population lives in areas experiencing water scarcity. Many regions in the EU – particularly the Southern European Member States – are predicted to face severe water scarcity by 2050, when water demand is expected to increase by 30%**. Desalination can significantly alleviate this problem, while using clean energy for this process can provide a sustainable solution.