Solar and Battery Storage Installation at Fosse Bearings Ltd

Introduction

Fosse Bearings Ltd, located in Thurmaston, has taken a significant step towards sustainability by installing a solar and battery storage system. This project not only enhances the company’s energy independence but also contributes to lowering its operational costs through renewable energy generation.

Project Overview:

Installation Details

The project comprised the installation of 30 photovoltaic (PV) modules with a total output of 14.70 kWp and 9.2 kW of battery storage. The installation was divided into two parts: - 20 panels were installed on a pitched roof, utilising SolaSkirt bird protection to ensure a sleek and safe array.

- The remaining 10 panels were installed on a flat roof using an aluminium flat roofing system, weighed down by concrete blocks rather than being fixed directly to the structure.

Project Execution

The entire project was completed within **8 days**. Given that Fosse Bearings Ltd operated during our working hours, we strategically prioritised the front of the property to minimise scaffold requirements and reduce disruption to their business operations.

Site Survey

Prior to installation, a comprehensive site survey was conducted, which included:

• Drone Imaging: This allowed for an accurate topographical assessment.
• Structural Roof Survey: Particularly important for the flat roof, ensuring that the design would be safe and effective.

Financial Analysis

Payback Period and Return Rate

The financial viability of the installation can be broken down into specific metrics:

• Payback Period: The system has a payback period of 5.3 years. This means that the initial investment in solar technology will be recovered in just over five years through savings on electricity bills and potential earnings from energy exports.
• Internal Rate of Return (IRR): With an IRR of 17.58%, the investment signifies a strong potential for long-term financial benefits. This percentage indicates the expected annual return from the investment, surpassing many traditional investment avenues and presenting a lucrative opportunity for Fosse Bearings Ltd.

Electricity Bill Offset

The installation is projected to offset Fosse Bearings Ltd's electricity bill by 76.24%. This reduction in reliance on grid electricity yields substantial financial savings and promotes sustainability through reduced carbon emissions.

Performance Since Commissioning

Since commissioning the system in early May of this year, Fosse Bearings Ltd has achieved remarkable energy generation results:

• Total Energy Generated: 4.12 MWh
• Self-consumed Energy: 1.55 MWh
• Energy Sold Back to the Grid: 2.56 MWh at a rate of £0.15 per kWh
• Energy Drawn from the Grid: Only 0.06 MWh

Overall, this performance indicates that Fosse Bearings Ltd is 96% self-reliant in meeting its energy needs, a significant achievement that underscores the efficacy of the installation.

System Features and Benefits

SolarEdge Backup Interface

A key feature of the system is the SolarEdge backup interface, which provides several important benefits:

• Power Reliability: In the event of a grid outage, the backup interface ensures that essential loads can continue to be powered, enhancing the reliability of Fosse Bearings Ltd's operations.
• Energy Management: The interface allows users to prioritise which circuits remain active during an outage, enabling customised energy management strategies that can keep the most critical systems running.
• Increased Energy Security: By leveraging the stored energy in the batteries, Fosse Bearings Ltd can maintain business continuity and operational resilience, reducing reliance on external energy sources during emergencies.
• Real-time Monitoring and Control: The SolarEdge interface provides real-time insights into energy usage and backup capacity, allowing for informed decision-making regarding energy consumption and storage deployment.

Monitoring and Additional Benefits

Fosse Bearings Ltd can now monitor their energy consumption and generation in real-time using the SolarEdge app available on various devices (phone, iPad, desktop). Key features of the app include:

• Import and Generation Tracking: Users can view how much energy is being drawn from the grid versus being generated by their solar panels.
• Self-consumption Monitoring: The app displays the extent to which generated solar energy is utilised by the facility, maximising self-consumption levels to enhance savings.
• Export Tracking: The application allows visibility into energy exported back to the grid, contributing to additional earnings through an export tariff.

Seasonal Benefits

The system also enables Fosse Bearings Ltd to charge their batteries at a lesser rate during the winter months, further enhancing their energy efficiency and reducing the overall payback period through strategic management of energy consumption.

Conclusion

The solar and battery storage installation at Fosse Bearings Ltd represents a significant investment in sustainable energy and highlights efficient project management, innovative engineering solutions, and favourable financial outcomes. With the ability to monitor and manage energy usage effectively, Fosse Bearings Ltd is well-positioned to reap the benefits of its investment while contributing positively to environmental sustainability. The incorporation of the SolarEdge backup interface further elevates their energy security and operational resilience. This project serves as a case study for how businesses can leverage renewable energy technology for both ecological and economic advantages.

Contact Us

For similar solutions tailored to your business needs, please reach out to us!