Powering Wind & Sun
Lion Yard, Upper Hill
Several PV solar systems have been installed to provide on-site generation.
- Two 25kWp arrays on east & west roofs of main warehouse each connected to SMA 20kW Tripower inverters
- A ~4kWp array on the solar car port using SolarEdge inverter and optimisers
- A 4kWp array on the south roof with an SMA 3.6KW inverter
- A 1kWp array also located on the South roof with an SMA 1.5kW inverter
- 8 REC 250 W modules on the solar bike port each using SMA micro inverters
These generate at least enough energy to meet the site's annual electricity requirements, making us a net exporter.
Displays are incorporated to show output and performance together with showcasing the products we supply.
Heating for the building is provided by an Okofen Biomass wood pellet heating system.
Energy Storage and Backup Power
Our back-up power system consists of 3 x SMA Sunny Island 8.0H-12 inverters and a 25kWh Tesvolt Li-Ion battery store and is monitored using the new SMA Data Manager.
Normally, it is designed to store surplus generation during the day to reduce grid consumption at night, so improving the benefit of our on-site generation. However, the facility to maintain services means it can sometimes be invaluable!
The system has pride of place in our showroom so visitors and customers are able to see it in action and learn more. Account customers are welcome to bring along their clients – so they can in turn show how adding a back-up storage system to a commercial PV system can protect and benefit their business.
Products used in our backup power system
SMA Sunny Island 6.0/8.0H
The Sunny Island 6.0H / 8.0H supports a wide range of on-grid and off-grid applications
Sunny Island Battery Backup Distribution Switch Box
An automatic transfer switch, suitable for the SMA 'Flexible Storage System' which allows operation to continue in case of main power blackouts. Contactors ensure compliant earth switching.
SMA Data Manager M
In combination with the new Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS, the Data Manager M optimises communication, monitoring and control of PV systems.
SMA Energy Meter
The SMA Energy Meter is a fast bidirectional single or three phase meter used to measure power going in/out of the grid. It communicates these values quickly via Speedwire using standard Ethernet cable to the Sunny Home Manager, Data Manager M, or compatible SMA inverters.
Current Transformers (CT Clamps) 5A Secondary
For use with SMA Energy meter, SMA Home Manager and other meters requiring a 5A secondary output. Used to measure AC primary current and produce a proportional secondary current.