Location: Arbroath, Scotland
Project Type: Commercial Solar PV Installation
System Size: 310.59kWp

Number of Panels: 714 x 435W Aiko Modules
Commissioned: March 2024
Project Duration: 3 weeks
Services Provided: Design, Planning, Procurement, Site Setup, Project Management, Commissioning, Handover

Background

The client is hotel based in Arbroath, Scotland, 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 6-7 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

A full technical proposal was completed for a 310.59kWp rooftop Solar PV system using high-efficiency monocrystalline panels and Solis string inverters, optimally laid out across 3 buildings. 

This client already had 45kWp installed on 2 of their buildings. With an imposed restriction by SPEN of 200kWp per building, we had to ensure the sites’ overall output did not exceed 400kWp. 

Project Highlights

• Installation: 714 x 435W panels
• Expected Annual Generation: ~112,000kWh per meter
• Carbon Offset: ~28.4 tonnes CO₂ per year, per meter
• Self-Consumption Rate: 71%
• Payback Period: Estimated at 7 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 site export to 400kWp
• 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.