West Strathore is a 5MW solar project, located near Glenrothes in Fife on Scotland’s East Coast. Hydroplan was employed by the scheme lender to undertake a technical review of the project prior to construction and also to act as technical advisor during the construction process.

The first phase of the works comprised a review of the planning and legal documentation, the site layout and system design and the proposed costs, energy yield and timescales for construction. Part of this work also included drawing up a risk register with a traffic light system of red, amber and green risks for the lender to consider.

The second phase of the works involved site attendance during construction and a final report, post-commissioning.

Key Features:

• High installed power
• Short construction timetable
• ROCs scheme

The post West Strathore Solar first appeared on Hydroplan - Hydropower Consultancy.

Carver Hey and Wick Lane are two solar projects where Hydroplan was employed by the scheme lender to undertake a technical review of the projects prior to construction. Thereafter, Hydroplan was the technical advisor during the construction process.

The first phase of the works comprised a review of the planning and legal documentation, the site layout and system design and the proposed costs, energy yield and timescales for construction. Part of this work also included drawing up a risk register with a traffic light system of red, amber and green risks for the lender to consider.

The second phase of the works involved site attendance during construction and a final report, post-commissioning.

Key Features:

• High installed power
• Short construction timetable
• ROCs schemes

The post Carver Hey & Wick Lane Solar first appeared on Hydroplan - Hydropower Consultancy.

A number of estates already operate successful hydropower schemes, many which have been designed and built by Hydroplan over the last decade. Given the variability of hydro generation it was considered to be worth exploring the opportunities for integrating other renewable energy sources, making use of the existing grid connection.

Hydroplan was employed to investigate the options for installing solar panels on the site – both rooftop and ground mounted. The scope of the study included a site visit to identify suitable locations for the panels, and assessment of prospective energy yield and how the solar generation would interact with the hydro.

The cost of solar panels and inverters has been reducing each year. However, with the low irradiance levels on the west coast of Scotland, the economic justification cannot yet be made.

Key Features:

• Hybrid solution
• Integrated with existing hydropower portfolio
• Using an existing grid connection

The post Estate-Based Solar Hybrids first appeared on Hydroplan - Hydropower Consultancy.