Case Studies
Reduce your electricity costs and secure the future
The UK is leading the way in its challenge to meet Net Zero goals and although it is not the sunniest country in Europe it is using solar energy in businesses and residenial homes to reduce its use of electricity.
With 50% of the total mix of energy production in the UK coming from renewables the more micro-generation of energy at a building level will mean that there is less relaince on the grid allowing for a smoother transition to reducing carbon emissions.
Within this section is a small number of case studies that showcase the application of Solar PV and battery storage within the UK. The Solar PV and battery storage installations do not have to be significant to make a small stride towards reducing our dependence on the grid.
UK Case Studies
1. Clay Hill Solar Farm, Bedfordshire
In 2017, Clay Hill became the UK's first subsidy-free solar farm, combining solar PV with battery storage. This pioneering project demonstrated the viability of large-scale renewable energy installations without government subsidies, paving the way for future developments in the sector.
SOLAR POWER PORTAL
2. Project Fortress (formerly Cleve Hill Solar Farm), Kent
Currently under construction, Project Fortress is set to become the UK's largest solar farm, with a capacity of 373 MW of electricity generation and 700 MWh of battery storage. Located on the Graveney marshes, this project exemplifies the scale at which solar PV and battery storage can be deployed to contribute significantly to the national grid.
WIKIPEDIA
3. Residential Installation in Lincolnshire
A couple in Lincolnshire installed a solar PV system complemented by battery storage to maximize the utilization of their solar-generated electricity. This setup allowed them to store excess energy produced during the day for use during peak times, enhancing self-consumption and reducing reliance on the grid.
AMELIO SOLAR ENERGY
4. Rural Cold Storage Facility, Location Unspecified
A rural cold storage facility implemented a solar PV and battery storage system to meet its continuous energy demands. This installation not only reduced operational costs but also minimized the facility's carbon footprint, showcasing the applicability of such systems in the agricultural and agri-food sectors.
BLUE RENEWABLES
5. Residential Installation in Peterborough
In 2022, a family in Peterborough invested approximately £11,000 in nine solar panels and a battery. Their system generates 20-25 kWh daily in summer and around 7 kWh in winter, reducing their energy bill to £12 a month. The excess energy generated in summer is sold back to the grid, providing a credit of £20-30 to their bill.
THE SUN
6. Wiltshire Council's Solar Together Scheme
Patricia Owen from near Swindon participated in Wiltshire Council's Solar Together scheme, installing solar panels and a battery storage system on her roof. Her investment of £9,000 has cut her monthly electricity bills from £225 to £94.21, saving nearly £600 in the first year and potentially more in the long term.
THE SCOTTISH SUN
These case studies highlight the diverse applications and benefits of integrating solar PV with battery storage across the UK, from large-scale farms to individual residences and commercial facilities.