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
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