For nearly three decades, Meins has accompanied the evolution of the energy sector by delivering solutions that turn engineering into real-world results. In this context, the SPS Full Outdoor has established itself as one of the company’s most representative solutions within the utility-scale photovoltaic segment, thanks to its combination of robustness, design flexibility, reliability, and scalability.
In an increasingly demanding market—where optimizing timelines, costs, and risks is critical—power substations play a fundamental role in the overall reliability and performance of installations. The SPS Full Outdoor responds precisely to these needs, offering a mature technical solution that has been proven across multiple geographies and operational scenarios.
What is an SPS Full Outdoor and when is it used?
An SPS Full Outdoor by MEINS is a power station (substation) specifically designed for solar photovoltaic plants in either string configuration (SPS-S) or central configuration (SPS-C). It is fully equipped and ready for outdoor operation, without the need for installation inside a building or technical room.
Prefabricated outdoor power station
Full Outdoor vs. indoor/container solutions:
The main difference between these solutions lies in the level of enclosure and architectural protection, not in electrical functionality:
- Full Outdoor: the equipment is designed to operate directly outdoors, fully exposed to environmental conditions.
- Indoor / Container: the equipment operates inside an enclosure that protects it from the surrounding environment.
Typical applications in utility-scale photovoltaic plants
Applicable to plants of any size, under low to moderate environmental aggressiveness conditions. Thanks to its compact dimensions, it is especially suitable for installations with limited access or where a reduced footprint is required. The SPS Full Outdoor solution can be landscape-integrated according to the requirements of each geographic area.
This solution allows power ratings of up to 9.2 MVA and voltages up to 40.5 kV.
Plug & Play philosophy: engineering designed for efficiency
The SPS Full Outdoor has been conceived under a clear Plug & Play philosophy, with the aim of minimizing on-site work and the risks associated with installation. The solution is based on a prefabricated concrete platform that integrates all the main components of the power station:
- Power transformer with mineral or vegetable oil, up to 9.2 MVA
- Oil retention tank integrated into the skid itself
- Fully customizable low-voltage switchboard
- Medium-voltage switchgear up to 40.5 kV, with SF₆-free option up to 24 kV
- Factory-manufactured and factory-tested connections
This level of integration allows the station to be delivered fully assembled and tested, ready for connection on site. Compared to conventional solutions, the Full Outdoor approach significantly reduces installation time, required civil works, and occupied surface area.
Two typologies, one objective: maximum adaptability
One of the key strengths of the Solar Power Station Full Outdoor is its ability to adapt to different plant architectures. In this regard, Meins offers two differentiated typologies, designed to meet the most common photovoltaic configurations on the market:
SPS Full Outdoor – String type
Designed for connection to string inverters, this model offers great flexibility in plant design. The low-voltage switchboard adapts to different inverter brands and configurations, enabling efficient and scalable power distribution. It is a highly valued solution in projects where modularity, redundancy, and O&M optimization are priorities.
SPS Full Outdoor – Central type
Intended for plants with central inverters, this design addresses higher unit power configurations. The station is adapted to the electrical and thermal requirements of this type of inverter, while maintaining the Plug & Play philosophy and ensuring efficient integration in large-scale plants.
Both typologies share the same technological base and quality standards, facilitating project standardization regardless of the selected architecture.
Versatility beyond the solar market
Although the SPS Full Outdoor was developed with a clear photovoltaic focus, its design makes it a highly versatile solution, ready to be integrated into different energy applications. In addition to solar plants, it can be used in:
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), connecting to BESS containers via low-power or centralized PCS
- Hybrid projects combining PV and BESS
- Complex energy management and consumption scenarios
Thanks to its customizable low-voltage switchboard and compatibility with different generation and consumption systems, the SPS Full Outdoor is positioned as a solution ready to meet the current and future challenges of the energy transition.
Reliability, standardization, and risk reduction
The Full Outdoor design is engineered to operate in demanding environments, withstanding adverse weather conditions and intensive workloads. All power stations are manufactured in Europe under strict quality controls, ensuring consistency, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
Design standardization, combined with a high degree of customization, enables engineering firms, EPCs, and developers to plan large-scale projects with greater confidence, reducing uncertainty in schedules, costs, and operations. Features such as the integrated oil retention tank or optimized civil works not only simplify installation but also facilitate maintenance throughout the plant’s service life.
A technical benchmark in the energy sector
With more than 1,600 SPS units installed in 35 countries and an accumulated capacity exceeding 8 GW, the SPS Full Outdoor has become a technical benchmark within the utility-scale photovoltaic sector. This global experience allows Meins to transfer knowledge gained across multiple markets to each new project, delivering robust, proven solutions aligned with industry best practices.
The Solar Power Station Full Outdoor is not just a power station; it is a key tool for optimizing the design and execution of large-scale solar plants, helping clients reduce risks and maximize asset performance.
Technical FAQ section
What voltage levels does an SPS Full Outdoor support?
The SPS Full Outdoor can be configured for medium voltage up to 40.5 kV, adapting to the specific requirements of each project and local regulations.
Is it compatible with SF₆-free medium-voltage switchgear?
Yes. The design supports SF₆-free medium-voltage switchgear up to 24 kV, in line with current sustainability requirements and environmental regulations.
Can the SPS Full Outdoor be integrated with BESS systems?
Yes. The SPS Full Outdoor is compatible with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), both in configurations with low-power PCS and centralized PCS, as well as in hybrid PV + BESS plants.
What advantages does it offer compared to containerized solutions?
Compared to containerized solutions, the SPS Full Outdoor offers greater structural robustness, better integration of the oil retention tank, reduced civil works, and a service life more aligned with utility-scale projects.
What maintenance does an SPS Full Outdoor require?
Maintenance requirements are reduced thanks to design standardization and factory integration of components, facilitating inspection, operation, and O&M activities throughout the plant’s lifetime.
In which types of projects is it especially recommended?
It is especially recommended for utility-scale photovoltaic plants, projects with tight execution schedules, demanding climatic environments, and hybrid configurations with energy storage.
