Solar and Battery Storage Installation at Castle Farm
Castle Farm
Nuneaton, Warwickshire
Farming
Castle Farm, located in Nuneaton, is a large dairy farm with significant energy demands. To reduce reliance on grid power, the farm sought a sustainable solar and battery installation solution to power their operations while minimising energy costs.
Excel Energy provided a turnkey solar photovoltaic (PV) system, combined with battery energy storage, to optimise energy usage during peak milking times and reduce energy costs. This case study outlines the system design, installation process, and financial analysis behind the renewable energy solution.
Solar and Battery installation Project Overview
Project | Details |
|
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Energy System | 75kWp Standard String PV System with 64kWh Battery Storage |
Products Used | Premium Tier 1 Products: Trina Solar, Sigenergy |
Installation Team | In-house installation team at Excel Energy |
Energy Requirements | High, due to dairy farm operations (milking, cooling) |
System Components | Solar Modules, Inverters, Battery Storage, Mounting System |
Materials and Processes
| Material/Equipment | Specification |
| Solar Modules | 151 x Trina Solar, TSM-500-NEG18R.28 VERTEX S+ (500Wp each) |
| Solar Inverters | 2 x Sigenstor Energy Controller Three Phase – 25.0 kW |
| Battery Storage | 2 x 32kWh Sigenstor (8kWh) Battery Towers (64kWh total) |
| Solar Mounting | K2 Solid Rail and coach bolts System |
| AC & DC Equipment & Accessories | Including Cable, Isolators. |
| AC Cable Run | 80m of 95mm² SWA 4 Core Cable + Earth Cable |
| Scaffolding/Equipment Hire | Necessary for safe installation |
| Inepro380 mod-bus meters | Bi-directional meters for monitoring |
| Online Monitoring System | Real-time monitoring of energy production and consumption |
| End-User Training & Documentation | Complete certification and operational training provided |
Solar and Battery System Design and Performance Calculation
Given Castle Farm’s energy profile and consumption patterns, Excel Energy designed the system to optimise energy use and take advantage of solar energy generated during daylight hours. This solar and battery installation is specifically designed to meet the farm’s early morning milking demands, utilising battery energy storage to provide power during low-production periods.
The system design complies with the UK’s Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), ensuring that all installation and components meet the required standards for efficiency and safety.
Key Performance Indicators | Value |
Imported Energy Tariff | Daytime: 23.45p/kWh, Evening/Weekend: 19.86p/kWh, Night: 17.83p/kWh |
Exported Energy Tariff | 6p/kWh |
Estimated Total Annual Consumption | 196,100 kWh/annum |
Electricity Inflation Rate | 3% per annum |
The performance of the system was evaluated using simulation data and a financial analysis model. Energy costs for Castle Farm were reduced significantly by utilising solar energy during the day and storing excess energy in the solar and battery system for use during peak consumption hours.
Solar and Battery Financials & Payback Period
The return on investment (ROI) for the system is contingent upon several factors, including energy tariffs, consumption, and inflation rates. Given the energy tariffs and usage at Castle Farm, the solar and battery system has the potential to deliver substantial savings, with an accelerated payback period due to rising energy prices.
Metric | Value |
System Payback Period | Estimated based on energy tariff and usage patterns |
Annual Energy Savings | Estimated based on system’s energy production vs. consumption |
Financial Analysis | Shows cost savings and return on investment over time |
Excel Energy’s Expertise and Commitment
Excel Energy brings years of practical experience to every project, ensuring each system is tailored to meet the specific needs of the client. From initial site review to installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance, Excel Energy handles all aspects of renewable energy projects.
The company holds ISO9001 (Quality Management) certification and is working toward PAS2060 (Carbon Neutrality) accreditation, underlining their commitment to high environmental and quality standards.
Excel Energy Credentials | Details |
Certifications | MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) |
Quality Management | ISO9001 |
Environmental Commitment | Working towards PAS2060 (Carbon Neutrality) |
Warranty & Long-Term Reliability
Excel Energy’s installation ensures comprehensive warranty coverage for all aspects of the solar energy system, reinforcing the durability and dependability of the investment:
✅ Trina Solar Panels: 30-year performance warranty
✅ Sigenstor Inverter: 10-year warranty
✅ Sigenstor Battery: 10-year warranty
✅ Inepro 380 meter: 5-year warranty
✅ Watt Node meter: 5-year Warranty
✅ Roof mounting system: 10-year warranty
✅ workmanship: 5-year turnkey warranty
These warranties guarantee system efficiency and reliability, providing Castle Farm with peace of mind regarding long-term solar energy production performance and support.
Conclusion
Excel Energy delivered a tailored solar PV and battery storage solution that met Castle Farm’s high-energy demands while significantly reducing energy costs. The use of premium-tier products from Trina Solar and Sigenergy, combined with expert installation and ongoing support, ensured a successful project outcome.
Castle Farm can now rely on a sustainable and cost-efficient energy system, which will pay back quickly, especially as energy prices continue to rise. Excel Energy’s expertise in designing and delivering bespoke renewable energy solutions ensures that Castle Farm will enjoy long-term benefits in both cost savings and carbon reduction.
