Sungrow, a leading global provider of solar PV inverters and energy storage systems, has been selected to supply equipment for a new solar PV project on the Greek island of Kimolos. This project aims to provide sustainable energy for desalinating seawater, addressing the island’s water supply challenges. Constructed for the Municipality of Kimolos by Zillion EPC, the project features a 100 kWp photovoltaic system installed adjacent to a new desalination unit with a capacity of 220 m³/day.
The solar PV system comprises 238 units of 420W PV modules and connects to the low voltage grid network to ensure continuous operation of the desalination plant. Sungrow’s SG50CX-P2 string inverters were chosen for their efficiency and robustness, suitable for the harsh environmental conditions on Kimolos, including high temperatures, humidity, and salinity. These inverters are compatible with high-power modules and feature smart operation and maintenance functions, with an IP66 protection rating and C5 anti-corrosion certification. For communication, the COM100E smart communication box by Sungrow was selected for its flexibility, reliability, and high level of protection, also rated IP66.
The project’s equipment was delivered through Krannich Solar Greece, Sungrow’s official distributor. Kimolos, part of the Cyclades island group and located about 85 nautical miles southeast of Piraeus, is a small island with a population that swells significantly during the summer tourist season. The island’s water supply is strained by this seasonal influx and climate change, making desalination a crucial solution.
Desalination is an energy-intensive process used globally to combat water scarcity, which affects nearly 20% of the world’s population. With water demand in the EU, particularly in southern member states, expected to rise by up to 30% by 2050, using clean energy for desalination can offer a sustainable remedy.
Vasileios Ziogos, Founder and Head Engineer of Zillion, acknowledged the project’s challenges, including its remote location and logistical difficulties during construction. Despite these obstacles, Ziogos emphasized the importance of the project and the dedication involved, expressing confidence in the equipment’s performance and the project’s successful operation.
