Summary
We were appointed through a public tender to deliver an innovative battery storage pilot designed to enhance an existing solar farm and test the potential for wider battery deployment across similar sites. The project combined a 228kW/912kWh battery system with EV charging infrastructure to increase the value of the existing renewable energy assets.
The Challenge
The project needed to demonstrate how battery storage could work alongside an operational solar farm while generating additional value from the site’s existing grid connection.
As a pilot scheme, the installation also had to maintain the solar farm’s existing ROC accreditation and comply with planning and grid requirements. Before construction began, we supported changes to the agreed planning approach, including developing a more compact battery installation enclosed by green close-boarded fencing.
The site itself presented additional challenges. The battery was positioned on the marginal edge of the solar farm, requiring detailed engineering calculations to ensure the battery plinth and supporting infrastructure were correctly designed.
The solar farm was also located within an operational agricultural site. Access along the adjacent lane had to remain available throughout construction so that farm and solar farm traffic could continue operating normally. Finally, the project was delivered during the winter months, creating difficult ground conditions and additional logistical challenges.
Our Solution
We designed and installed a 228kW/912kWh battery energy storage system integrated with the existing solar farm infrastructure.
Our engineering team carried out the calculations required to design the battery foundation and adapted the installation to suit the restricted area available on site. We also worked with the relevant stakeholders on grid requirements and the technical arrangements required to protect the site’s existing ROC accreditation.
The existing distribution board was modified to accommodate the new battery system, metering arrangements and two rapid 22kW EV chargers. Careful construction planning allowed us to maintain access for agricultural and solar farm operations throughout the works, while ensuring the project remained on programme despite challenging winter ground conditions.
Results
The project was completed within the agreed construction programme and has significantly enhanced the site’s existing renewable energy infrastructure.
The 228kW/912kWh battery can store and manage energy generated by the solar farm more effectively while enabling the site to access additional grid services revenue.
The two 22kW EV chargers also extend the benefits of the renewable energy infrastructure to the local community by providing additional public EV charging facilities.
Most importantly, the project provides a practical demonstration of battery storage operating alongside an existing solar farm, creating a pilot model that can inform potential deployment across further sites in the future.