Panoramic view of the solar field coupled with an XINTC electrolyzer system at the company’ s experience centre in Kootwijkerbroek, the Netherlands.
A modular approach to efficient off-grid green hydrogen production
Conventional off-grid solar hydrogen systems face operational challenges and energy losses, particularly due to power electronics inefficiencies and electrolyzer threshold constraints. This article introduces a novel modular architecture that eliminates curtailment and threshold losses through direct coupling, without the need for DC / DC converters. It evaluates the effects of system design and location on energy utilization across various European sites. By the end, readers will have a clear understanding of the key technical trade-offs in off-grid configurations and how modular electrolyzers can enable more efficient, scalable green hydrogen production.
Ahmadreza Rahbari, Director of Research & Development, XINTC
Thanks to supportive policies, the cost of electricity from solar photovoltaic( PV) systems has dropped significantly over recent decades, driving a tripling of global installed capacity between 2018 and 2023. 1 From 2024 to 2030, solar PV is projected to contribute around 80 % of the growth in renewable energy capacity, driven by both utility-scale farms and rooftop installations. The declining cost of utilityscale solar PV has made it competitive with conventional energy sources, 2, 3 with a further 40 % reduction expected by 2030. 4 By then, solar PV is anticipated to become the dominant renewable electricity source globally, surpassing wind and hydropower. 1
A key opportunity to harness this energy efficiently lies in directly coupling PV systems with electrolyzers for green hydrogen production. This approach avoids multiple power conversion stages, improving energy utilization and reducing losses, particularly in high-irradiance regions where PV electricity is most economical. As demand for green hydrogen rises, direct DC coupling offers a promising pathway for costeffective hydrogen production. 4 However, conventional systems face challenges with voltage matching, dynamic response, and stability under fluctuating solar conditions, limiting the effectiveness of direct DC / DC coupling.
14 Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 22 | June 2025