The installation process required excellent communication between all parties and mass coordination to bring together the project to tight deadlines. The system involved 594 panels, all to be specially mounted and electrically wired. The main influencing factor on the project was the strict time frame, which meant extra effort was put into all areas, with teams working overtime where necessary.

Once the installation was complete, connection to the grid had to be expertly timed around the weather and the working facility. Due to the nature of the site when it is raining it is vital that the pumps remain operational.  

Therefore, our team had to manage the grid connection to strict guidelines at the appropriate time as agreed with all parties.

During the project there was also great uncertainty with the governments FiT’s being reviewed and a strict deadline set for the beginning of March to ensure a good return of the client’s investment. It was vital that our teams were able to ensure installation and connection to the grid before the deadline; this also meant assisting Dŵr Cymru in the ROO-FiT application that could only be submitted the day before the government’s changes.

Southern Solar also worked closely with Western Power Network Distributor in order to gain permission to connect the array at such short notice.

The project highlighted Southern Solar’s excellent project management, design and communication skills.

Southern Solar’s relationship with Dŵr Cymru continues, with additional work such as Tamper Proof fixings being installed at Cilfynydd to make the array more secure. We are also in discussion with them about other sites and O&M contracts.