Burgess Hill-based Oskomera Solar Power Solutions UK Ltd has completed a series of ground-mounted solar parks across Devon. The three solar parks total 3.5MW of solar capacity that will significantly help cut the county’s carbon footprint.
The first of the completed solar parks is located in Cullompton. The 1.2MW ground-based solar installation was completed with the help of Lightsource Renewable Energy Limited and consists of over 4,200 Suntech modules paired with over 30 Power One inverters. The build began on June 25 with the final panel put in place on July 12. The electrical works were completed by Barratt Energy and commissioning took place on July 25 following gird energisation.
The second site is located in Crediton and is home to a 1.1MW solar park that consists of over 3,800 Suntech modules. Constructing this particular solar park created a few challenges for the installation team due to the wettest June since records began. The inclement weather hampered the build by filling the trenches with water as well as generating a large amount of mud, which delayed the installation. However, in spite of the conditions the whole installation was able to be completed in less than seven weeks.
The third and final site is a 1.2MW solar park located in Tiverton. Oskomera once more partnered with Lightsource Renewable Energy to install over 4,100 Suntech modules. The weather once more presented serious challenges for the installation team.
John Mustarde, Oskomera Solar Power Solutions, UK Director said: “This was a great achievement to complete these projects ahead of schedule whilst learning to swim around the Cornish countryside. This gave us the opportunity to test our new modular MWp design solution which saved time and money on site and will result in a neater park that is easier to maintain in the long run. Thank you to everyone involved including WPD for their great support in getting these commissioned.
The build was started on 29th May and final panel was installed on 8th June using Praxia steel frame and a team of installers. The electrical works were completed by Barratt Energy and commissioning took place successfully on 27th July following grid energisation.
The installations reflect the new drive for large-scale solar installations that the UK market is currently experiencing. However, proposals to slash the available RO rate for solar PV technology are set to severely dampen the newfound demand.
Alisdair Grainger, Head of the Feed-in Tariff at DECC will be speaking at this year's Solar Power UK 2012 about Government's plans for the future of both the RO and FiT schemes and what it means for large-scale solar development in the UK. Solar Power Portal has partnered with Solar Power UK to offer all MCS-accredited solar installers the opportunity to attend the world-class solar seminar series for free – a £50+ saving. To register your attendance visit www.solarpowerukevents.org and enter the following code when booking your desired seminar: SPPMCSF3.