Introduction
Ysgol Porth Y Felin, a primary school located in Conwy, North Wales, recently launched a green initiative to harness solar energy. The school, which teaches 300 pupils, is named after the historic Mill Gate entrance of Conwy’s walled town. This case study examines the solar installation project JM Renewables completed at the school, detailing the methodology, installation and outcomes.
Methodology
The project began with a thorough assessment of Ysgol Porth Y Felin’s energy requirements and the suitability of its buildings for solar panel installation. Four pitched roofs across multiple school buildings were identified as the optimal locations for the solar panels. We designed a system consisting of 100 high-efficiency 420W solar panels, providing a significant total output of 42kW.
A detailed plan was developed to ensure the panels would be mounted securely and positioned to maximise sunlight exposure. Careful consideration was given to integrating the four solar arrays with the school’s existing electrical infrastructure. This ensured seamless operation and efficient energy conversion through two high-quality Solis inverters, one rated at 15kW and the other at 25kW. These inverters were chosen for their excellent efficiency and intelligent monitoring capabilities.
Installation
The installation was scheduled outside school hours to minimise disruption to the school’s daily operations. This approach ensured the safety and comfort of both staff and pupils and allowed the installation team to work efficiently without interruption.
The installation process involved securely mounting the solar panels on rails on the identified roofs. Our team of in-house technicians used precision and care to ensure the panels were correctly aligned and fixed. Once the panels were in place, they were connected to the school’s electrical system via an inverter. This critical component converts the direct current (DC) produced by the solar panels into alternating current (AC), which is used by the school’s electrical systems.
Outcome
The successful installation of solar panels at Ysgol Porth Y Felin has resulted in an estimated annual generation of 36,820kWh of electricity. This significant output reduces the school’s reliance on conventional energy sources and provides substantial environmental benefits. The system is expected to save approximately 4.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. This reduction in carbon footprint is equivalent to planting 207 trees each year, highlighting the project’s positive environmental impact.
In conclusion, the solar installation at Ysgol Porth Y Felin demonstrates a successful integration of renewable energy in the public sector. The project is an excellent example of how schools can play a key role in adopting sustainable practices, contributing to environmental conservation, and educating future generations about the importance of renewable energy.