Renewable energy is expanding at an unprecedented pace. Solar farms are growing from tens to hundreds of megawatts, onshore and offshore wind power plants are reaching higher voltages and longer transmission distances, and energy-storage systems are becoming a key stabilizing force in modern grids. As these projects scale up, traditional electrical infrastructure—especially substations and power distribution rooms—are struggling to keep up with demands for speed, flexibility, and cost control.
Against this backdrop, the E-house (Electrical House), also known as a prefabricated substation or modular power center, has emerged as a preferred solution in renewable energy projects worldwide. Designed for rapid deployment, harsh environments, and compact footprints, an E-house provides a complete plug-and-play electrical system that can be transported, installed, and commissioned far more efficiently than traditional construction.
In this article, we explore the key applications, advantages, technical features, and future trends of E-house solutions in renewable energy projects—based on real industry practices and FATENG ELECTRIC’s experience supporting global customers.
1. What Is an E-house?
An E-house is a factory-built, fully integrated electrical power distribution center. Instead of assembling switchgear, transformers, auxiliary systems, and protection equipment on a construction site, all components are pre-designed, pre-fabricated, and pre-tested in a controlled manufacturing environment.
A typical E-house includes:
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Medium-voltage switchgear (IEC or ANSI/UL standard)
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Low-voltage switchboards and distribution panels
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Transformers (dry-type or oil-filled, depending on design)
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Protection relays, control panels, SCADA, and communication systems
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Busduct or cable systems
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HVAC and environmental control
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Fire detection and suppression systems
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Structural steel housing with insulation, lighting, and access doors
The result is a compact, mobile, and ready-to-energize power distribution solution suitable for long-term or temporary operation.
2. Why Renewable Energy Projects Need E-houses
Renewable energy sites often face unique challenges that traditional power distribution buildings cannot solve efficiently. These challenges include:
2.1 Remote project locations
Wind and solar plants are frequently located in deserts, mountainous regions, offshore environments, or remote countryside where construction resources and skilled labor are limited.
E-houses eliminate onsite construction complexity by being delivered 90%–100% complete.
2.2 Compressed project timelines
Renewable energy developers often need rapid deployment to meet grid-connection deadlines or government subsidy schedules. A traditional electrical room may take 6–12 months, while an E-house can be delivered and commissioned within 10–20 weeks depending on design.
2.3 Harsh environmental conditions
Extreme heat, dust, humidity, salt fog, and sandstorms can affect equipment lifespan. E-houses feature:
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Thermal insulation
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Reinforced structures
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Industrial-grade sealing
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Controlled internal environments
This ensures stable operation even in challenging conditions.
2.4 Need for modularity and future expansion
Power demand may grow as a renewable plant expands. E-houses make expansion simple: new modules can be added without large structural modifications.
2.5 Cost efficiency
Because E-houses minimize civil works and reduce site labor requirements, overall cost savings range from 15% to 40%, especially in remote or high-labor-cost regions.
3. Key Applications of E-houses in Renewable Energy Projects
3.1 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Plants
Solar farms require voltage collection, step-up, and distribution systems spread across large areas. An E-house can serve as:
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MV collection station
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Inverter control center
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SCADA and communication hub
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Energy storage integration room
E-houses streamline the integration between PV inverters, switchgear, transformers, and grid-tie equipment. Because solar farms are highly standardized, modular E-houses can be replicated for large utility-scale projects.
3.2 Wind Power Plants (Onshore & Offshore)
Wind farms have demanding electrical requirements, especially for protection, communication, and synchronization.
E-house applications include:
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Wind turbine collector substations
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Reactive power compensation stations
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Onshore/offshore HV/MV substations
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Converter and STATCOM integration
For offshore wind, corrosion-resistant E-houses with marine-grade coatings and pressurized HVAC systems ensure long-term reliability.
3.3 Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Energy storage systems require precise temperature control and sophisticated protection. E-houses are widely used to house:
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PCS (Power Conversion System)
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MV switchgear
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LV distribution panels
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Battery management and EMS control equipment
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Transformers and cooling control systems
They help developers rapidly scale BESS capacity while maintaining high safety standards.
3.4 Hybrid Renewable Stations
Many modern plants combine solar + wind, solar + storage, or wind + storage. E-houses serve as the central electrical hub, simplifying integration and ensuring consistent power quality.
3.5 Hydrogen and Green Ammonia Projects
Emerging green-hydrogen industries require stable and modular power distribution. E-houses are ideal for:
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Electrolyzer power supply
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Compressor motor control centers
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Auxiliary loads and safety systems
Modularity helps match the staged construction style of hydrogen plants.
4. Advantages of Using E-houses in Renewable Energy Projects
4.1 Rapid Deployment and Reduced Onsite Work
E-houses eliminate time-consuming tasks such as:
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Building concrete structures
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Installing interior walls and cable trays
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Mounting equipment individually
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Coordinating multiple contractors
Instead, FATENG ELECTRIC completes electrical installation, internal wiring, and full factory testing (FAT) before shipment.
4.2 Better Quality Control
Factory environments ensure:
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Consistent engineering standards
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Skilled labor for switchgear assembly
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Precise mechanical fabrication
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Controlled HVAC and cleanliness
This leads to fewer errors, faster troubleshooting, and higher reliability.
4.3 Enhanced Safety and Reliability
E-houses improve operational safety with:
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Segregated cable chambers
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Fire-retardant materials
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Gas-insulated switchgear options
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Integrated detection and suppression systems
For remote renewable sites, predictable performance is essential.
4.4 Customizable for Any Project
E-houses can be tailored to:
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IEC or UL/ANSI standards
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Any voltage level (0.4 kV to 35 kV or higher)
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Hazardous area classification
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Temperature-controlled operation
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Seismic, wind load, and environmental requirements
This flexibility makes them suitable for global deployment.
4.5 Simple Transportation and Relocation
Many projects, especially temporary installations or early-phase pilot plants, require mobility. E-houses can be moved as needed and reused in future expansions.
5. Key Technical Considerations When Selecting an E-house
E-houses vary widely based on project needs. Here are essential factors developers and EPC contractors consider:
5.1 Electrical System Design
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Single-line diagram
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Switchgear standard (IEC, UL1558, UL891, UL67)
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Short-circuit ratings
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Busbar configuration
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Protection relay schemes
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SCADA / communication protocols
A well-defined design reduces rework and accelerates manufacturing.
5.2 Structural and Material Selection
Including:
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Frame strength
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Wall insulation
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IP/NEMA enclosure rating
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Corrosion protection
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Fire-resistant materials
For offshore or desert environments, enhanced protection is mandatory.
5.3 HVAC System Capacity
Temperature control is critical for the lifespan of:
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Power electronics
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Protection relays
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Batteries
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Transformers
E-houses must maintain stable internal temperatures even when outside ambient exceeds 50°C.
5.4 Cable and Busduct Interfaces
Precise interface design prevents installation delays. FATENG ELECTRIC supports:
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Top or bottom cable entry
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Single or double cable trenches
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Custom busduct routing
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Pre-terminated cable systems
5.5 Factory Testing (FAT)
A complete FAT verifies:
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Electrical interconnections
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Control logic
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Relay protection configuration
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HVAC performance
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Mechanical robustness
This ensures the unit arrives ready for immediate installation.
6. Case Examples of E-house Deployment in Renewable Projects
(You can modify or add real FATENG ELECTRIC project cases later—these examples are written generically.)
6.1 150 MW Solar Farm in the Middle East
Challenges:
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High ambient temperature (up to 55°C)
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Remote desert location
Solution:
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Three MV E-houses with integrated HVAC and dust-proof design
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Delivery within 14 weeks
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Reduced onsite labor by 70%
6.2 80 MW Onshore Wind Farm in Eastern Europe
Challenges:
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Mountainous terrain
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Harsh winter conditions
Solution:
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Compact modular E-houses for MV collection
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Plug-and-play SCADA integration
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Accelerated grid connection by 2 months
6.3 50 MW / 100 MWh Energy Storage Station in Southeast Asia
Challenges:
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High humidity
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Need for strict control integration
Solution:
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Separate E-houses for PCS, LV distribution, and EMS
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Reinforced insulation against condensation
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Fire-suppression system integrated at factory
7. How FATENG ELECTRIC Supports Renewable Energy E-house Projects
FATENG ELECTRIC provides end-to-end E-house solutions designed specifically for renewable energy developers, EPC contractors, and global OEM partners. Our capabilities include:
7.1 Engineering and Custom Design
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IEC / ANSI (UL891, UL67, UL1558) switchgear solutions
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Full electrical and structural design
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3D modeling and HVAC simulation
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Compliance with local grid requirements
7.2 Complete In-house Manufacturing
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Medium-voltage and low-voltage switchgear
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Busbar fabrication
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CNC sheet-metal processing
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Modular enclosure and structural assembly
7.3 Factory Testing and Quality Assurance
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Full functional FAT
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Protection relay and SCADA testing
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Environmental and HVAC performance verification
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ISO9001-based QA system
7.4 Global Delivery and On-site Support
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Overseas shipping and installation advisory
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Commissioning support
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Long-term maintenance and spare parts
Whether the project is a 20 MW solar farm or a 500 MW hybrid renewable plant, FATENG ELECTRIC delivers robust, reliable, and cost-effective E-house solutions tailored for global markets.
8. Future Trends: How E-houses Will Evolve in the Renewable Era
8.1 Higher-voltage modular substations (33 kV+ for PV, 66 kV+ for wind)
As renewable plants grow in capacity, E-houses will handle increasingly higher voltages.
8.2 Integrated digital intelligence
Smart sensors, predictive maintenance systems, and real-time monitoring will become standard.
8.3 Standardized modular platforms
Repeatable designs will reduce engineering time and lower costs.
8.4 Hybrid energy systems
E-houses will act as central hubs connecting solar, wind, storage, EV charging, and hydrogen systems.
Conclusion
Renewable energy is reshaping global power infrastructure, and the E-house has become one of the most valuable tools supporting this transformation. With its factory-built precision, rapid deployment capability, and adaptability to harsh environments, the E-house offers a highly efficient power distribution solution for solar, wind, energy storage, and emerging green-hydrogen applications.
For developers and EPC contractors aiming to reduce project risk, streamline timelines, and ensure long-term reliability, E-houses are not just an alternative—they are becoming the new standard.
FATENG ELECTRIC is committed to supporting the next generation of renewable energy projects with world-class, customizable, and globally compatible E-house solutions.