+44 (0)24 7671 8970
More publications     •     Advertise with us     •     Contact us
*/
News Article

Computer manufacturer on track to become carbon-neutral after new solar array


Computer manufacturer PC Specialist is one step closer to reaching its goal of becoming carbon-neutral after a 950-panel solar array was completed at its two units in Wakefield by the solar developer, EvoEnergy.

The company decided to invest in solar technology as part of its ongoing environmental commitment to become a carbon-neutral site by 2020 whilst also driving down its energy costs.

The 235.5 kWp system will allow the firm to offset 96 tonnes of carbon per year, providing it with 187,900kWh annually "“ the equivalent generation to satisfy the average electricity demand of 57 homes.

The business - which can be testing up to 500 PCs at any given time - currently uses around 285,000 kWh per year. With up to two thirds of its energy usage now generated from solar, its owners expect to save more than £20,000 per year.

PC Specialist director Danny Williams said: "Though restrictions meant that we couldn't have a system as big as we wanted, we're keen to look into this in the future. With the saving from our bills, the feed-in tariff and the exported energy, we're looking at a good saving on our costs.

"We're pleased to be doing our bit for the environment too. It's something we pride ourselves on, and everything we use is either recycled or reused as much as possible."

The PV system "“ consisting of 250 W Risen modules and optimised by Solar Edge technology to maximise the generation "“ was recently installed by a team of six from Nottinghamshire-based EvoEnergy. The project took two weeks to complete.

Solar Edge enabled systems separate all modules within the string to stop poorly performing modules from affecting the efficiency of the whole array. Not only will this make the system up to 25 replace more efficient, but the array is also safer and easier to repair should anything go wrong. The client can also check the performance of each inverter and module 24/7 via the free web portal. Being able to quickly identify any issues with the array allows for prompt remedy by EvoEnergy's operation and maintenance team.

James Clifford, national account manager at EvoEnergy, said: "It's refreshing to see a company exploring new ways to be green. The array is one of a number of EvoEnergy installations to use a combination of Solar Edge optimisers and inverters, meaning that modules are linked together in pairs rather than in groups of modules in strings.

"This makes it more efficient in the long term since shaded or soiled modules don't impact on the performance of the other modules in the string. Monitoring at individual panel level also makes it easier to pinpoint any problems, so the system is easier to repair should anything go wrong."

The system covers 9,500sqm of PC Specialist's head office and manufacturing plant in Wakefield.

System in detail

●             235.5 kWp rooftop array

●             950 x Risen 250W panels

●             8 x Solar Edge inverters

●             9,500 sqm coverage

●             96 tonnes of CO2 saved per year (estimated)

●             Minimum of £20,000 annual saving on energy bills (estimated)


×
Search the news archive

To close this popup you can press escape or click the close icon.
Logo
×
Logo
×
Register - Step 1

You may choose to subscribe to the Power Electronics World Magazine, the Power Electronics World Newsletter, or both. You may also request additional information if required, before submitting your application.


Please subscribe me to:

 

You chose the industry type of "Other"

Please enter the industry that you work in:
Please enter the industry that you work in: