Solar Arrays Project
During my internship at Ilsa S.p.A., I led a technical and financial feasibility analysis for installing solar arrays at the company’s Arzignano and Molfetta facilities in Italy. My objective was to determine whether the proposed array sizes and panel types could deliver a cost-effective, long-term power solution.
I began by verifying the planned hardware—JA Solar JAM72S20 420 Wp panels—and calculating the total array footprint for each site. Leveraging a solar energy database, I gathered location-specific generation data for both regions and integrated it with plant energy consumption records to model expected system output.
To assess the business case, I calculated the cost per kWh of grid electricity and projected revenue from selling excess generation back to the grid. My analysis revealed both projects would achieve a 3–4 year payback period. I distilled these findings into a board-ready presentation, which secured project approval and funding.As of 2025, the Molfetta solar arrays are fully operational, and installation at Arzignano is in progress.
Key Achievements
- Modeled expected power generation for proposed solar arrays at two facilities.
- Conducted a comprehensive financial analysis demonstrating a 3–4 year return on investment.
- Supported successful implementation—Molfetta solar arrays now operational; installation underway at Arzignano.
Challenges
- Limited solar database provided output data for only a single array configuration, complicating accurate generation estimates.
Solutions
- Applied multiple calculation methods to model site-specific energy output, validating results through cross-comparison with reference data.d
Results
- Delivered an accurate, board-ready financial analysis that secured project approval and funding.