This project is for a grid-connected solar PV system with an existing diesel generator power plant for a construction camp in Saudi Arabia. This system is intended to supply essential office and management loads during the daytime hours, thus alleviating the loading on the diesel generators and providing a reliable and uninterrupted power supply in extreme environmental conditions.
Project Type: On-grid Solar PV Hybrid System
Location: Saudi Arabia
Application: Camp Offices & Management Facilities
This project involved the deployment of an on-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) system to support the power supply of a large construction camp in Saudi Arabia. The site was already powered by nine 625 kVA diesel generators, which remain continuously online and serve as the base power source.
The objective was to reduce daytime diesel generator loading and fuel consumption by introducing a reliable solar PV system—without battery energy storage—while maintaining uninterrupted power supply to critical camp facilities.
The solar PV system supplies electricity to key administrative and management areas, including:
ARAMCO site office (PB05)
SEPCO site office (PB06)
Project management and VIP accommodation (PB09-A)
These areas represent the core operational loads of the camp.
Installed PV capacity: ≥ 605 kWp
Maximum daytime load: 458.8 kW
System voltage: 400 / 230 V
DC/AC ratio: ≥ 1.1
PV modules & inverters: Publicly listed Chinese manufacturers
The system is designed to operate in parallel with diesel generators, ensuring stable voltage and frequency under high ambient temperature and high solar irradiance conditions typical of Saudi Arabia.
| Number | Area | Facility Power (kW) | Sat – Thu | Fri (rest day) | 6 am - 6 pm | 6 pm - 6 am |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PB05 | Amei Office Area | 238.5 | 238.5 | 47.7 | 238.5 | 47.7 |
| PB06 | SEPCO Office Area | 184.5 | 184.5 | 184.5 | 184.5 | 184.5 |
| PB09-A | Project Lead + VIP | 179 | 35.8 | 179 | 35.8 | 143.2 |
| Total | 602 | 458.8 | 411.2 | 458.8 | 375.4 | |
Solar PV supplies daytime loads directly
Diesel generators remain online at all times
Automatic power control and source switching ensure seamless hybrid operation
Nighttime loads are fully supplied by diesel generators
The system architecture allows for future integration of battery energy storage if required.
Reduced daytime diesel generator load
Lower fuel consumption and operating costs
Improved power stability for office and management areas
Scalable, storage-ready system design
This project serves as a practical reference for camp-based and temporary facility solar PV applications in the Middle East, where diesel generators remain the primary power source.
