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The client has a grade 2 listed property with an annual electricity consumption of 25,000kWh. They wanted to install a 4kWp solar array on an existing outbuilding roof.
We noticed a more ideal location - a raised south facing bank. The field had been excavated for sand for a nearby A road a few decades ago. It was in a beautiful location that was listed as conservation within an area of outstanding beauty. The design needed to be in-keeping with the nature of the environment and protect the local wildlife.
51.6
46
52.4
10.15t
51.6
46
52.4
10.15t
Our design took into consideration key pain points:
• the consumption profile of the site
• the limitations of the District Network Operator (DNO) infrastructure: The solar array was designed to export only the surplus generation to the grid, in accordance with the DNO's limitations
We take all the different information you give us, your budget, consumption profile, available space, any limitations by authorities, and the type of supply you need. Then, we use our knowledge and experience to build a custom system that uses the best practices and the most suitable products for your needs.
The property had a three-phase 100-amp supply and a high baseline wattage throughout the day and night, therefore a SolarEdge System was selected due to its 5kW charge and discharge availability from its batteries. We opted to have two sets of 23kWh stacks wired in parallel to achieve a 10kW charge and discharge rate.
Jinko Solar N-Type panels were the preferred choice: they have a 25-year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty, they have an aesthetically pleasing all-black design, and they provide the array with a solid feel, stance, and good amount of power.
To maximize efficiency, we increased the DC to AC ratio, addressing the UK's varying sunlight conditions. Shading concerns were mitigated using optimizers on each panel, ensuring independent operation and proactive fault detection. The system design complied with DNO requirements, with a careful balance of surplus export and battery storage. Planning challenges emerged post-grid application, requiring strategic coordination of trades and meticulous attention to delivery logistics in the rural landscape.
Planning was the challenge and from our detailed design, the next steps after the grid application process were not straightforward. Procuring and implementing the ground-mounted array posed additional challenges. Situated 300m from the house, the array's location required coordination among various trades, including groundworkers and electricians. The logistical challenge of delivering equipment to the remote site necessitated just-in-time deliveries on suitable lorries. The plant room, crucial for equipment housing, was meticulously designed for security, incorporating concrete construction and allowing for future battery storage expansion. This comprehensive approach ensured the success of the solar project in this remote, yet environmentally sensitive, location.
