Wakefield District Housing Association

After some careful site consumption analysis by our technical department, both sides agreed to install a larger 150 kWp PV system to optimise payback for the system and offset more carbon for WDH.

The client wanted a solution which allowed them reduce their electricity whilst improving their green credentials, so our engineering team were challenged to design and install a system that would make this happen.

OUR SOLUTION

Working over a two-week period, the array of 516 panels was installed as the team worked hard to install a mixture of 290W & 295W Trina solar panels on roof pitch of 10 degrees. The installation was designed to incorporate Solaredge inverters and optimisers to increase the generation of the system and meet the safety requirements of the client. Black framed Trina panels were selected for their high efficiency and to minimise any glint and glare from the system. This was a planning stipulation, as the site is next to the M62 and can be visible from the road.

In order to avoid any disruption, roof access for the installation was agreed to be located at one end of the building, with the site compound being specifically located discretely around the back to minimise any disturbance. In addition to this, any noisy works were scheduled outside office hours to prevent disruption to their daily operations.

THE RESULT

Now that the system is fully installed and operational, we needed to make sure the long-term maintenance and care of the system was as easy as possible. So, we installed a permanent CAT ladder and roof hatch, discretely located inside a newly built cupboard in the building. What’s more, the panels were installed in conjunction with the existing mansafe system, and the inverters were located in the external plant area to allow easy access for maintenance.

Using Solaredge Power optimisation technology, the PV system was integrated into the fire alarm system. This means, in the case of a fire, all AC energy would be turned off and DC electricity would be localised to the panels on the roof, reassuring those tackling the fire that they will be safe to do so without fear of electric shock. System monitoring is at a modular level, allowing visibility of any panel faults leading to lean system operations and maintenance.

Now complete and commissioned, the system is generating over 109.2 MWh of clean energy every year. Over 30.9 tonnes of carbon emissions will be offset each year; equivalent to 33,807 pounds of coal burned.