Solar PV and Battery Storage at Afon Taff School, Merthyr Vale

Description

Project to retro fit a Solar PV and energy storage system to Afon Taff School in Merthyr tydfil. Afon Taf High School, Yew Street, Troedyrhiw, Merthyr Tydfil. CF48 4ED Background The school has recently been refurbished, part of this process was the fitting of Alumasc Mastergold warm roofing system (membrane) to the buildings flat rooves, this is subject to a 25year guarantee. Renewable energy system requirements: Panel mounting The new guaranteed Roof membrane means that a nonpenetrative ballasted solar panel mounting system must be used and this should include membrane compatible protection at all contact points with the roof and additionally a non-combustible layer is required between the array and roof surface (between the frames and under the panels – 20-40mm washed pebble blast or similar performing inorganic layer). Pre-construction, but post tender the appointed installation contractor will carry out a detailed structural survey for the system they intend to install, this will be used to confirm the structure is suitable for the installation and the cost should be included in the tender. Panels & PV system The Solar PV system should be 200 Kwp. The Panels must be ethically sourced from manufactures free from forced labour issues and ideally tier one Bloomberg classified. The panels should be IP68 rated and have a 12 year plus product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty on 84% of nominal power. The solar installation should include a 2-year workmanship warranty. The array will be subjected to DNO approval for its connection to the grid. Bidding contractors should allow for the cost to submit a G99 application to the DNO on behalf of the council for this purpose. The installation should include OFGEM approved generation meter and provision for an export meter. The system should include a monitoring system detailing the solar generation, the export along with the energy stored and used from the battery array. The design and installation will comply with the following: Latest UK Building Regulations Latest European and UK standards and codes of practice Latest industry recognised guidelines, including: o Engineering Recommendations G99 o BS 7671 (current edition) - Requirements for electrical installations (all parts, but in particular Part 7-712 Requirements for special installations or locations – Solar photovoltaic (PV) power supply systems) o BS EN 62446 (current edition) - Grid connected photovoltaic systems – Minimum requirements for system documentation, commissioning tests and inspection o IEC 60364 Low Voltage Electric Installations o IEC 60755 General requirements for residual current operated protective devices o EC 61215 Crystalline modules o IEC 61730 - Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification o IEC 61557 Electrical safety in low voltage distribution system operating manuals for the system must be provided A fire isolation switch should be located externally to each building where PV panels are installed. The proposal must include structural engineering verification that the roof structure is suitable for Solar PV. Safe access for maintenance of the system must be considered in the proposal and the PV array must be designed with a minimum edge gap of 1.2M to the perimeter of the roof. Battery storage system The system should include a 44kWh battery capable of 90% depth of discharge, 97% charging efficiency and a 10 year warranty – the battery must be located in dedicated, suitable containment exterior to the main buildings that is sterile and fire resistant. Measures must be taken to ensure the battery cannot operate and temperatures that could be detrimental to its life or performance. Provision of a visual performance interface A user / pupil interface should be included with the system to display the system performance and benefits – a creative proposal for this interface rather than a dull display will be looked on favourably.