SIS TV Milton Keynes: 251kW Solar System Reducing Carbon Footprint by 46,679kg Annually

Project Overview

Sustain Commercial Solar recently completed a significant solar installation for SIS TV at their Milton Keynes facility. This case study examines the design, implementation, and expected performance of this commercial rooftop solar PV system.

Client Profile

Client: SIS TV
Industry: Television/Media
Challenge: High energy consumption with opportunity for renewable energy integration

Project Specifications

The solar installation features:

• Total System Size: 251.74 kWp
• PV Generator Surface Area: 1,199.0 m²
• Module Configuration: 614 HT-SAAE HT54-18X-410 panels distributed across 5 roof areas
• Inverter Setup: 2 FoxESS R-series 110 kW inverters
• Module Distribution:
  • Building 01-Roof Area East: 251 modules
  • Building 01-Roof Area West: 258 modules (195 + 63)
  • Building 02-Roof Area East: 89 modules
  • Building 02-Roof Area West: 16 modules

System Design Approach

The design carefully considered the facility's roof structure, orienting modules to maximise energy capture. The installation spans multiple roof areas with varying orientations and inclinations:

• Eastern-facing modules (East 96°) with 4° and 12° inclinations
• Western-facing modules (West 276°) with 4° and 12° inclinations

This multi-orientation approach ensures optimal energy generation throughout the day, with minimal shading impact (only 2.1% yield reduction due to shading).

Performance Projections

The system is projected to deliver:

• Annual Energy Production: 225,492 kWh/year
• Specific Annual Yield: 895.47 kWh/kWp
• Performance Ratio: 86.23%
• Carbon Emissions Reduction: 46,679 kg CO₂/year

Energy Impact

SIS TV has a substantial energy demand of 2,616,810 kWh annually with a peak load of 341.2 kW. The solar installation will:

• Provide 100% on-site consumption of generated energy
• Achieve 8.6% self-sufficiency for the facility
• Require no energy export to the grid

Economic and Environmental Benefits

1. Reduced Grid Dependency: The system will offset 225,492 kWh of grid electricity annually
2. Carbon Footprint Reduction: Nearly 47 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided per year
3. Enhanced Sustainability Profile: Demonstrates SIS TV's commitment to renewable energy
4. Long-term Operating Cost Reduction: Stable energy costs for a portion of their consumption

Technical Implementation Highlights

The installation employed advanced design and technical considerations:

• Optimised string configuration across 5 distinct roof areas
• Strategic inverter sizing with appropriate sizing factors (111.8% and 117%)
• Three-phase grid connection with 230V connection
• Careful consideration of shading patterns to minimise production losses

Conclusion

The SIS TV solar installation represents a significant commercial rooftop deployment by Sustain Commercial Solar. While providing only 8.6% of the facility's substantial energy needs, the system delivers meaningful environmental benefits and operating cost reductions. The project demonstrates how commercial-scale solar can be effectively integrated into facilities with high energy demands, even when full energy independence isn't feasible.

The successful implementation showcases Sustain Commercial Solar's expertise in design optimisation, careful equipment selection, and technical execution for commercial clients.

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