Solar PV installation for Loughborough College

Fusion Electrics were contacted about a solar PV installation project for the Technology Building at Loughborough College. Loughborough College has a strong commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. As part of their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and cut down on energy costs, they asked Fusion to design a solar PV system to lower operating costs, reduce reliance on the grid, and increase sustainability.

The Challenge:

This ambitious project presented several challenges that Fusion needed to overcome. The first was the requirement to complete the entire roof installation within Loughborough College’s one-week half-term break. With it being February in the UK, the weather was favourable one day and then pouring with rain the next, leading to conditions that were less than ideal. Additionally, the size and height of the building meant that Fusion had to construct an extensive scaffolding system of 100 metres before beginning the installation. However, with the one-week deadline in mind, our engineers brought their coats and used their knowledge and years of experience, working through the torrents that came mid-way through the installation to ensure that the project was completed on time.

Another key challenge was the adhering to additional CDM (Construction Design and Management) regulations to ensure the health and safety of any person affected by the project. As well as those involved in the project itself, this included carrying out all work to the correct standards to make sure the solar PV installation is safe for staff, pupils and visitors to the Technology Building site at Loughborough College. As members of RECC with full MCS accreditation, Fusion Electrics was appointed as the principal contractor and designer for this project, placing the responsibility of meeting CDM regulations with us.

How We Helped:

Fusion Electrics carefully planned, organised, and carried out all works at the site, adhering to and exceeding all CDM regulations. From the installation of scaffolding to the wellbeing of the engineers on site, we put safety at the forefront of all our projects.

Our engineers worked through both sunshine and torrential downpours to ensure that this project was completed to a perfect standard and during Loughborough College’s half-term break. The team installed 145 Hyundai solar panels, each with a capacity of 410 Watts, for a PV system totalling 59.55kW. We mounted the panels on the roof of the Technology Building, taking advantage of the structure’s optimal orientation. The system was designed to maximise energy production, using a SolarEdge 50kw inverter for its advanced monitoring capabilities.

The project also came with a few additional requirements. A new 100-Amp AC supply was required inside the electrical room in the Technology Building, allowing the energy from the solar panels to flow to the PV inverter. This was an additional layer of complexity to the system that required careful planning. Additionally, Loughborough College required a custom fireman’s switch, allowing firefighters to isolate the system power in the event of a fire in the building. While this isn’t a standard feature for our installations, we were happy to accommodate this request to improve the safety of the building for firefighters while reducing the risk of electrical damage to the solar PV system.

The Outcome:

The Technology Building at Loughborough College now has a state-of-the-art, customised 59.55kW PV system, which is expected to generate around 49.57MWh per year. This project highlights the effectiveness of solar energy in reducing operational costs, and supports the case for further renewable energy investments across the college’s campus.

Within the first year, the system generated 43.57 MWh of electricity, covering a significant portion of the Technology Building’s energy needs while also supporting its long-term sustainability goals. The installation presented immediate financial benefits, with a saving of £13,166.53 saving on the college’s electricity bill in the first six months alone. With savings like this, we expect the investment to pay for itself within 4–5 years.

Loughborough College has also engaged Fusion in a 5-year maintenance contract to make sure the system operates at peak performance for as long as possible. This includes regular inspections for the inverter and all of the electrical components, as well as cleaning the panels as required.

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