Location: Aberfoyle, Scotland
Project Type: Commercial Solar PV Installation
System Size: 62.92kWp

Number of Panels: 143 x 435W Aiko Modules
Commissioned: March 2024
Project Duration: 2 weeks
Services Provided: Design, Planning, Procurement, Site Setup, Project Management, Commissioning, Handover

Background

The client is hotel based near Aberfoyle, sought to reduce operational costs and improve its sustainability profile. With energy being a significant overhead, the company approached us to explore the feasibility of a rooftop Solar PV system to power their facility during daylight hours.

Objectives

• Offset daytime electricity usage with on-site renewable generation
• Reduce carbon footprint in line with the company’s net-zero goals
• Achieve ROI within 5-6 years
• Ensure minimal disruption to client and neighbours

Solution

Our team conducted a full feasibility assessment including:

• Roof structural survey
• Energy usage profile analysis
• Grid export and connection review
• Financial modelling and ROI forecasting

We designed a 62.92kWp rooftop Solar PV system using high-efficiency monocrystalline panels and Solis string inverters, optimally laid out across the south-west facing roof section. This system needed to include export limitation to 200kWp due to grid restriction, as per SSEN’s feasibility study. 

Project Highlights

• Installation: 143 x 435W panels
• Expected Annual Generation: ~56,261 kWh
• Carbon Offset: ~14.2 tonnes CO₂ per year
• Self-Consumption Rate: 91%
• Payback Period: Estimated at 4 years 9 months
• Funding: Financed secured through a partner funder

Challenges

• Weather Delays: Typical Scottish weather impacted some install days; mitigated by adjusting crew allocation
• Grid Constraints: Local DNO required export limitation, solved using a G100-compliant export control system and limiting the export to 200kWp
• Operational Continuity: Install was planned in phases to avoid interfering with production. Site shutdown was not required.

Outcome

The system was commissioned on time and within budget. 

The client has since reported a noticeable reduction in energy bills and plans to expand the system in the coming years, potentially integrating battery storage as prices continue to decline.