New Build Solar | Things To Think About

When constructing a new building, it makes complete sense to ensure it is as energy efficient as possible.

Double glazing, insulation and LED lights are par for the course these days, but what about one step beyond this; what about not just consuming power efficiently, what about generating it cleanly?

Sadly, far too many new buildings are being built without utilising the roof space for solar power generation – for some, it’s an aggravation that will be avoided if it can be.

But what about those buildings that are incorporating solar power into the design? We’ve put together a short list of things to think about when incorporating solar into a new construction.

Planning Rights

It’s important to ensure that the building being constructed is built entirely in keeping with the original planning approval.

For this reason it makes sense to partner with a solar developer early so that they can assist with the planning application.

Owing to the fact that solar technology is improving at such a rapid rate, it’s best not to be too specific on what will be installed other than to show an indicative plan of how the system might look and the amount of energy it will produce.

If the solar system forms part of the reason for securing planning permission, it’s a good idea to make sure it’s technically possible to achieve the desired yield from the space allocate for panels.

Grid Permission

If the new building is going to have a new electricity supply connected to it, it is recommended that the proposed solar installation is incorporated into the specification of the supply.

The vast majority of new connections only require power to go in one direction – from the network to the property.

However when a solar system is installed a ‘dynamic connection’ will be required to ensure that power is permitted to travel in both directions. Not only does this ensure compliance with regulations, it also means that the owner of the building will have the opportunity of being paid for any energy that they do not consume on site.

Please bear in mind that even if the predicted output of the system is unlikely to scratch the surface of the predicted load of the new building your DNO will still ask you to apply for a dynamic connection; they will always apply the logic that at some point in the future the output of the solar array may outstrip the demand of the building.

?Sometimes a DNO is unable to provide a dynamic connection because of grid constraints in the area. Our blog –?No Export, No Problem (https://www.beba-energy.co.uk/no-export-no-problem/?– explores this in further depth.

Structural Adequacy

A fairly obvious inclusion in this list but an important one nonetheless.

Depending on the chosen method of mounting the solar array, the system can add several tonnes of weight to the roof of a building.

Liaising early on with the buildings design engineers may mean we can configure the system so as to limit the structural impact the solar array has.

Bear in mind that the weight of the panels, mounting system and ballast is one thing; the forces applied by mother nature also need to be factored in.

Metering

When arranging an electricity meter for the new property, ensure the meter and the contract is capable of handling exported energy as well as imported energy.

This will allow the owner of the building to apply for payment for the power they have not consumed from the solar array.

Roof Work/Penetration/Protection of Warranties

The big one.

Many new build solar installations require roof penetrations in order to keep the solar array in place; penetrating a new roof, however, may lead to concerns about the roof warranty.

Depending on the type of roof the panels are being installed on – providing that the mounting system is fit for purpose and is installed correctly – penetrating the roof will not lead to the voiding of roof warranties.

For an added layer of protection it may be prudent to have the solar installer mark out where the fixings are to go and then have the roofing installer carry out the penetrations. The solar installer can then undertake the mechanical fixing of rails to the penetrations and then the panels to the rails.

The most important point is to have these discussions early on in proceedings and, if necessary, involve the roof material supplier in discussions to avoid any issues further down the line. It is also advisable, before work commences on the roof, to have a detailed roof inspection so as to highlight any damage to the roof that was present before the panels were installed.

The ultimate backstop will be to ensure that the company fitting the solar panels have the correct levels of insurance in place in the event of something going wrong.

Electrical Connection

Depending on where the solar panels are being installed in relation to the point of connection (POC), the most efficient installations allow for the solar cables to be installed during the ‘first fix’ phase of construction; therefore avoiding having to drill holes in a brand new wall.

Alternatively, if the solar panels are being installed on the roof of a block of fiats for example, it might make most sense to have the electrical contractor run a dedicated POC from the plant room to the roof rather than have the solar installer run their cable back down to the plant room.

If the installation is particularly large, early discussions about the final connection can help reduce costs dramatically – it may be that elements required for the final connection can be designed and built into the main board.

Again, early liaison is key.

Inverter Placement

Even though they perform arguably the most important function of a solar PV system – they invert the DC power produced by the panels into AC power than can be used on site – more often than not they are the forgotten part of a solar system.

The positioning of an inverter is about so much more than ensuring there is adequate space for it – consideration must be given to the ongoing maintenance of the unit(s) as well as making sure it is well ventilated where possible; remember that if any element of the array is going to fail during its 25-year life, its most likely going to be the inverter.

As with each item in this list – early conversations cannot be overstated. We can work with you when you are designing your plant room to ensure the chosen space for the inverters is adequate. If plant room space is at an absolute premium, we can also advise on other areas that may be suitable.

Roof Access

Incorporating a solar installation during the construction phase of a building not only allows for an efficient installation, it also has the potential to save on costs.

One such area is roof access.

If there is access in place to install the roof, it makes sense to try and utilise this access when fitting the solar panels.

Early conversations will allow us to specify exactly what we require in order to avoid having to rework the scaffolding/access further down the line.

A key requirement when installing solar panels is a loading tower for our materials. It may make sense to load the equipment onto a completely separate structure before they are carried to their position on the roof.

This list is just some of the things to think about when considering a new build solar PV installation. To discuss others that might relate specifically to your site, please contact us today.