The 522.6k kW array was constructed at the main production facility of Natures Menu, a British producer of high-quality pet food. This solar system is the largest in Europe to be built using Q CELLS’ Q.FLAT-G5, and generates solar electricity using 1,608 Q.PEAK DUO-G5 modules.
Power density of 170 W per square meter
Allied to a growing appetite nationwide for clean, renewable energy and greater energy independence is the simple fact that solar PV components are becoming more and more affordable by the day. The pet food production facility of Natures Menu will self-consume the solar electricity generated by the 522 kW array.
Developer RenEnergy finished construction of the rooftop array in July 2019. By utilizing the Q.FLAT-G5 mounting system, RenEnergy was able to streamline the installation process thanks to the Q.FLAT’s innovative design. The Q.FLAT-G5 has been proven to deliver a power density of 170 W/m².
Installation time for a batch of modules halved
This output sets a new standard in power-per-surface area, augmented by a 10° inclination on both sides, according to the company. The G5 iteration of the Q.FLAT is a marked improvement on the Q.FLAT-G4 in that the installation time for a batch of modules has been halved, allowing more efficient installation. The Q.FLAT-G5 is also made using steel for added durability and – when paired with Q.ANTUM-powered monocrystalline half-cell modules the Q.PEAK DUO-G5 – delivers market-leading performance in terms of power output, reliability and LCOE.
Both Q CELLS’ products have been recognized within the solar industry. The Q.FLAT-G5 was recently awarded the accolade of ‘Best BOS Innovation’ at the Solar+Power Award, while the Q.PEAK DUO series was once again recognized as a Top Performer in the 2019 PV Module Reliability Scorecard, published by PV Evolution Labs (PVEL) in partnership with DNV GL.
Damian Baker, Managing Director from RenEnergy, said: “We were delighted to once again partner with Q CELLS on the construction of the 522.6 kW rooftop PV project for Natures Menu. We believe this installation is yet another encouraging example of UK businesses investing in green electricity, and taking control of their energy spend. By self-consuming the solar electricity onsite, and by using top-quality and competitively priced Q CELLS components, Natures Menu will enjoy an exceptional return on income right from the get-go.”
3 GW PV installations within the next four years forecasted
Sean Collier, Head of UK Sales for Q CELLS, added: “It is a pleasure to have supplied the Q.FLAT-G5 mounting system and Q.PEAK DUO-G5 modules to this project by RenEnergy. The UK solar market may not grab the headlines for record-breaking levels of solar installation like it used to, but in many ways we are even more encouraged by the way the market has evolved: it has become a sustainable growth industry packed with plenty of opportunities for a company like Q CELLS. The social capital of solar grows daily in the UK, and as the economics begin to make more and more sense, we expect solar to play an increasingly central role in the nation’s electricity sector over the coming decades.”
The UK's solar sector is enjoying a more stable year in 2019 after having contracted in 2018, when new installations reached just 286 MW for the year (according to SolarPower Europe). Over the coming four-year period, however, SolarPower Europe expects close to 3 GW of additional capacity additions in the UK. This would represent sustained healthy growth for the market, and continued opportunities for Q CELLS, which was ranked as the UK market leader in 2018 according to EuPD Research’s Global PV InstallerMonitor 2018/2019 Survey.(HCN)
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