50kWp Case Study: Nottinghamshire farmer installs 50kWp Solar Photovoltaic system on grain store to offset the cost of running a grain dryer.

Located in Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire, J Bealby and Sons are arable farmers with a high energy expenditure running a grain dryer to keep its crops in ideal condition to achieve the best prices at market.

To offset some of these costs and to reduce the farm’s carbon footprint, Robert Bealby contracted CTS Renewables, the renewables division of Commercial Technical Services Ltd to design and install a Solar PV system to fit on top of the Grain Store itself. Keen to balance a quality of product, with local support network and value for money, Robert opted for the Sharp Polycrystalline range of panels working with the SMA Tripower inverters.

With the roof structure made of fragile corrugated fibre board, the whole works were planned over a two week installation period to take account of the specific Health and Safety requirements of the project.

Paul West, Solar Projects Manager at CTS Renewables said: “with the significant drops in stock prices over the last few months combined with the new planning guidelines, we have seen a significant growth in interest from the farming sector. The lower capital costs for a 50kWp system have made Solar PV a more attainable proposition”

Start date: 13/02/12
Completion date: 29/02/12
Modules: 209 x Sharp ND-R245
Inverter: 3 x SMA Tri power 17000TL
Mounting system: Hilti
Power Specification (kW, MW): 50kW
Annual Power Output (kW, MW): 43954.37
Annual carbon dioxide saving: 25.8 tonnes
Expected ROI: 5 Years.

140kWp Case Study: Completion of a 140kWp poultry farm is an eggcellent result!

CTS Renewables are pleased to announce the completion of a 140kWp Solar Photovoltaic system to a poultry farm in Lincolnshire. The installation, which was an addition to a 50kWp system already in place, saw more than 580 panels and 8 inverters installed in just 10 days.

Paul West, Solar Project Manager for CTS Renewables said: “even though the size of the system was considerable we managed to get it completed, commissioned and witness tested in just 10 days. The client was keen to register the installation before the April 1st, the design and install process was efficiently managed, and the whole team pulled together to meet the deadline.”

Due to the high electricity consumption on the farm, each shed has its own electricity meter enabling the system to be designed and commissioned as three sub 50kWp systems, therefore attracting the higher Feed in Tariff rate. The system is estimated to cut the farm’s fuel bills by up to 30 percent, enabling the farm to achieve a significant savings as a result of the PV installation. CTS Renewables estimate that the payback period will be just 5 and a half years.

The installation was completed using 240w Jinko Solar polycrystalline solar modules and the Siemens PVM range of G59 three phase inverters. The solar pv system is expected to produce over 126,000kWh of electricity per year.

Start date: 16/03/12
Completion date: 26/03/12
Modules: Jinko Solar 240W Poly
Inverter: Siemens PVM17 and Siemens PVM20
Mounting system: Schuco
Power Specification (kW, MW): 140kW
Annual Power Output (kW, MW): 126,081
Annual carbon dioxide saving: Over 60 Tonnes
Expected ROI: 5.5 Years.

10kWp Case Study: Manifold Cottage Farm utilizes 10kWp Solar PV system to offset Electricity and Heating bills.

Located in the heart of rural Staffordshire, Manifold Cottage Farm is a small holding with an ambition to generate all its own electricity and heating requirements.

Nathan Johnson, the owner of the farm commissioned CTS Renewables , to install a 10kWp Solar PV system to complement the Ground Source Heat Pump system already in operation. Ground source heat pumps use pipes which are buried in the ground to extract latent heat from the earth. This heat is then be used to heat radiators, underfloor or warm air heating systems and hot water in the home. The pump itself uses electricity and produces on average 4 units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed.

By installing a solar photovoltaic system the farm can offset the electricity used to heat the property with the electricity generated.

Nathan Johnson commented: “like many people I have become increasingly frustrated with energy price rises, by combining Solar PV with a Heat Pump system I am significantly less affected by fluctuating energy costs which gives me valuable peace of mind”

Completed in time for the 12th December 2011 deadline and installed in under four days using highly efficient Hyundai monocrystalline panels, Nathan can expect a healthy return on his investment, with the installation cost expected to be recouped within 5 years.

Start date: 15/10/12
Completion date: 19/10/12
Modules: Hyundai HiS-S245MG
Inverter: 2x SMA Sunny Boy 5000TL
Mounting system: Hilti
Power Specification (kW, MW): 10kW
Annual Power Output (kW, MW): 7157.92
Annual carbon dioxide saving: 5 Tonnes
Expected ROI: 5 Years.

20kWp Case Study: Hemsworth RUFC in conversion to Solar Photovoltaic energy.

Located between Wakefield and Barnsley, Hemsworth Rugby club has an enviable track record of investing into the club. Originally based in local pubs, they now have their own Clubhouse, playing fields and training areas which are wholly owned by the club.

Thanks to the foresight of the club committee and a funding contribution from Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Hemsworth RUFC can now add the installation of a 20kWp Solar Photovoltaic system to the clubs assets.

Working alongside CTS Renewables, the committee opted for the Sharp Polycrystalline range of panels working with an SMA Tripower inverter. The system will make a considerable dent in the club’s electricity costs and the returns from the Feed in Tariff will help to fund the running of the club and potentially lead to the purchase of new equipment and resources.

Brian May, Club President member said “Hemsworth RUFC is active within the local community and we are dedicated to promoting the sport as well as providing a great facility for everybody to access. The Solar PV system will support this commitment as well as provide an example to the community that the club is taking measures to reduce its environmental impact.”

Completed in time for the 3rd March deadline and installed in under four days the club can expect a healthy return on its investment, with the installation cost expected to be recouped within 5 years.

Start date: 20/02/12
Completion date: 24/02/12
Modules: 90 x Sharp ND-R230
Inverter: SMA Tripower 17000TL
Mounting system: Clenergy
Power Specification (kW, MW): 20kW
Annual Power Output (kW, MW): 18670.20
Annual carbon dioxide saving: 10 tonnes
Expected ROI: 5 Years.