SCC Data Centre, Birmingham

Aberla Energy installed a 737.91kWp roof mounted solar array for a long-term partner at the SCC Data Centre in Tyseley, Birmingham. The scheme was delivered as part of a PPA funding arrangement developed by Conrad Energy. A full turn-key solution was provided, comprising feasibility assessments, detailed system design, electrical installation, and commissioning.

As part of the initial scoping activities, we developed the project from concept to construction, providing a range of services to our funding partner including initial desktop feasibility, preliminary sizing and performance analysis, review of structural load assessments, roof suitability and DNO requirements, as well as concept designs. 
 
The 737kW system installation constituted 1822Nr 405w tier 1 Longi solar modules mounted on a SFlex Standing Seam mounting system and utilised 6nr 100kW Solis PRO inverters for maximum efficiency. The DNO stipulated an export limitation of 499kW and to satisfy this we installed 4nr G100 compliant Solis Export Power Managers, with CTs and VTs on the sites incomers monitoring import and export, which serve to ramp down the inverter output were an export scenario to occur. A reverse power relay and generator intertrip system was put in place as a failsafe to meet the export stipulations.

Due to the site’s critical nature and live operation during the installation phase, Aberla’s operational teams worked within the clients robust permitting requirements, scheduling deliveries, lifting operations and access requirements around the sites restrictions. During commissioning a 5-stage commissioning plan developed and agreed with the end client, with phased energisation of the four distinct points of connection to ensure safe and effective protection of the centre’s critical infrastructure.