Low Carbon South-West

Social Innovation for Community Energy

Community Energy Technology & Installation

Agenda

1. Introduction to Solarsense UK Ltd.

2. Types of Technology

1. Inverters

2. Panels

3. Experience and Insights

About Solarsense UK Ltd.

Overview

• South West leading Installer of Renewable Energy Technologies

• 20 Years Experience

• 10,000 + Installations to date

• Multi-Award Winning Company

Specialties

• Solar PV (Roof and Ground Mounted)

• Community Solar Parks

• Solar Thermal

• Heat Pumps (Ground and Air Source)

• Car Ports

• Electric Car Charging Points

Technology: Inverters

Types of Inverter

Inverter Type Pros Cons

Central

Optimal for large

systems where

production is

consistent across

arrays.

Proven field

reliability

Less optimal for

systems with

different array

angles

String

Modularity of string

inverters is better

for systems with

different array

angles and/or

orientations.

Fewer arrays are

impacted with one

inverter failure

Newer and less field-

tested product.

Technology: Inverters

Fronius –

Symo

Small -

Medium Scale

i.e. Church

Building

LT-i RE Energy

Large Scale

Moorhouse Lane/Ham

Lane Solar Park

Schneider -

CL

Medium Scale

Westfield

Academy

Technology: PV Modules

Types of Solar PV Modules

Four Common Panel Types:

1. Monocrystalline

2. Polycrystalline

3. Hybrid

4. Thin Film

• Traditionally panels were either Poly or Mono

• Innovation in technology has led to a broader range of modules

• Advancements in technology has increased maximum output of panels

• 2010: 200w / 2015: 340w SunPower soon to launch 360w Panel

• Improvements in technology has improved inefficiencies (e.g. Thin Film Panels)

• Each type of module has both advantages/drawbacks

• Important to choose the right type of module for particular project

1 2 3 4

Green Triplex PM245P00 (240-260w)

Series

• Mid-High efficiency panel

• Mid range cost

• Standard 10 year product guarantee

• Strong established company

Aleo S Series (240-290w)

• High efficiency panel (18%)

• Mid-High range cost

• Standard 10 year product

guarantee

• Strong established company

• Recent 2015 Quality Award

• Manufactured in Europe

E Series (320/327W)

• High Efficiency/Energy

Production

• Valuable with small roof

space

• High 25 year warranty

• Higher cost

Copper Indium Selenium – C.I.S (Thin Film Panels)

CIS Module: SF 150-170S Series

• Smaller size than traditional crystalline

panels

• Maximum power – 170W

• More panels/space needed

• Higher performance at lower irradiance levels

• Work more efficiently at odd pitches

• Better tolerance for shading effects

• Lower Cost

• 5 year product warranty

Shading Effect

St Bridget’s Church - Chelvey

2012Technical Details

Client: St Bridget’s Church Group

Modules: Sanyo HIT 240 watt

Inverters: SMA Sunny Boy

System size: 3.6kWp

Annual output estimate: 2,689 kWh

Annual CO2 emissions savings: 1,390 kg

Other Details

First Community Project

Listed building

Slate roof

Moorhouse Lane Solar Park

2014/2015

Technical Details

Client: Low Carbon Gordano

Modules: BenQ 255 watt polycrystalline

Inverters: 4No. 350kW LT-i PVMaster III

System size: 1.83MWp

Total number of Solar Panels: 7176 Panels

Annual output estimate: 1750MWh

Other Details

Bristol’s largest solar park to date

Ham Lane Solar Park

2015

Technical Details

Client: Low Carbon Gordano

Modules: BenQ 255 watt polycrystalline

Inverters: 350kW LT-i PVMaster III

System size: 0.8MWp

Annual output estimate: 760MWh

Westfield Academy

Technical Details

Client: South Somerset Community Energy Group

Modules: Aleo 260W

Inverters: Schneider

System size: 249.86kWp

Total number of Solar Panels: 961

Annual output estimate: 223,200 kWh/a

Contact Details

Helios House • Brockley Lane • Backwell • Bristol • BS48 4AH