The scope of this scheme was to install a solar photovoltaic system, reducing the school’s reliance on imported energy from the grid and lowering energy bills.
The design software estimated this system will generate circa 10.7 mWh per year, producing almost 40% of the schools energy with savings close to £3’000.00 a year.
After the first 6 months, the system has produced 8.16 mWh so it is anticipated that the original estimated generation will be reached or exceeded.
The 3D images of the proposed system produced as part of the design.
The mounting system starting to take shape with ballast set in place to the manufacturers design.
The optimisers and side plates being fitted and mounting system is almost ready for the panels.
The DC strings routed from the array to the building, supported on cable basket and feet, with flexible conduit to offer additional protection from UV degradation.
The JA Solar panels ready for fitting to the mounting system.
The mounting feet with a sacrificial layer of Bauder roof covering to provide additional protection for the roof and maintain the roof system warranty.
The complete system with rear wind guards in place and ready for energising.
The new distribution, inverter, energy control and site communication arrangement complete and ready for commissioning.
Connected to the monitoring portal and the data being picked up from the office.
The system fully operational and has generated over half a Megawatt/hour in its first week and provided 67% of the schools energy.
A full design was undertaken and the optimum system presented to our client.
Solar Edge system Design
Utilising the Solar Edge design software, the premises was accurately mapped out, the proposed solar installation added, enabling the string calculations, inverter and optimiser requirements to be confirmed.
Potential performance figures, calculated.
Mounting system Design
Van Der Valk’s design software factors in potential wind and snow loads for the exact location, offering the system owner peace of mind that the system is secure.
The design was then presented to the team at JP Structural who completed a structural survey of the premises and confirmed the structure at the premises could accept the additional weight and associated loadings of the new solar system.
Safety first
Following a site specific risk assessment, the works were programmed for during the school holiday and scaffolding and edge protection installed to provide a safe access and working area.
Installation
The framework set out with sacrificial pads to provide additional protection to the roof covering, DC cabling, ballast and panels fitted.
Inverter, isolators and power meter installed.
System tested, commissioned and set to work.
HANDOVER
A detailed hand over pack issued, functions, controls and isolation points demonstrated to the client, system set up on SolarEdge portal with remote monitoring by the School staff and Flintshire County Councils energy department enabled.
