Case Study: 32.25kW Commercial Solar PV & Battery Storage Installation, Peterborough UK
Project Overview
This commercial solar installation was designed to help the business reduce its reliance on grid electricity, lower operating costs and take a significant step towards its sustainability goals. With substantial roof space available and high daytime energy consumption, the project presented an excellent opportunity to harness solar energy and improve long-term energy efficiency.
Optimum Electrics designed and installed a bespoke 32.25kW Solar PV and Battery Storage system, combining high-output AIKO commercial solar panels with the advanced Sigenergy commercial energy platform. The result is a powerful renewable energy solution that enables the business to generate, store and manage its own electricity more effectively.
System Overview
Project Detail | Specification |
System Size | 32.25kW |
Solar Panels | 50 × AIKO Stellar 1N+ 645W Solar PV Panels |
Inverter | 1 × 30kW Sigenergy SigenStack Three-Phase Hybrid Inverter |
Battery Storage | 1 × 10kWh Sigenergy SigenStack Battery (9kWh Usable Capacity) |
Roof Mounting | 58 × Renusol Solar PV Roof Mounting Components |
Bird Protection | Bird Protection System |
Access Equipment | Scaffolding |
Understanding the Customer's Requirements
The business wanted to make better use of its available roof space while reducing exposure to rising energy costs. The system needed to generate significant amounts of renewable electricity during operational hours, helping offset daytime consumption and improve overall energy efficiency.
Battery storage was incorporated into the design to provide greater flexibility in how energy is used, allowing excess solar generation to be stored and utilised when required. Alongside performance, reliability and future scalability were key considerations, ensuring the installation would continue to support the business's energy requirements as they evolve.
After a power cut during installation (completely unrelated to the install) we explored the options to mitigate power down time going forward due to the costly implications on the business when the machines aren't working. As a result we added a Sigenergy gateway. This allows the battery power to instantaneously take over if a power cut is dedicated, completely removing disruptions to the business.
Installation Process
Following a detailed site survey, energy usage assessment and system design, our team erected scaffolding to provide safe access before commencing the installation.
The project involved the installation of 50 AIKO Stellar 1N+ 645W solar panels, creating a substantial 32.25kW solar array capable of generating significant amounts of renewable electricity throughout the year.
The panels were mounted using the trusted Renusol roof mounting system, providing a secure and durable fixing solution designed to withstand the demands of a commercial installation. Bird protection was also installed around the array to help prevent nesting beneath the panels and reduce future maintenance requirements.
Inside the building, we installed a 30kW Sigenergy SigenStack Three-Phase Hybrid Inverter alongside a 10kWh SigenStack Battery, creating an intelligent energy management system capable of monitoring and controlling solar generation, battery storage and grid interaction in real time. The Sigenergy Gateway was also installed inside the building, working after the electric meter and before the fuse board, ensuring whole building backup.
Following installation, the system was fully tested, commissioned and handed over with all relevant certification, monitoring access and operational guidance.
Why We Chose These Products
AIKO Stellar 1N+ Solar Panels
The AIKO Stellar 1N+ range is designed specifically for larger-scale commercial applications, delivering exceptional power output and efficiency. At 645W per panel, these modules maximise energy generation while reducing the number of panels required to achieve the desired system size.
Sigenergy SigenStack Commercial Energy Platform
The Sigenergy SigenStack system combines commercial-scale solar generation and battery storage into a single intelligent platform. The three-phase hybrid inverter enables seamless integration between the solar array, battery storage and building load, providing detailed monitoring and advanced energy management capabilities.
Renusol Mounting System
Renusol is a proven mounting solution widely used across commercial solar installations. Its robust design provides long-term reliability and secure panel fixing while maintaining a professional finish across the array.
Results & Benefits
The completed installation now provides the business with:
Significant reductions in grid electricity consumption.
Full electric backup thanks to the Sigenergy gateway
Lower operational energy costs.
Increased use of self-generated renewable energy.
Intelligent energy management through the Sigenergy platform.
Battery storage to support greater energy flexibility.
Reduced carbon emissions and improved sustainability credentials.
Long-term protection of the solar array through bird protection measures.
A future-ready renewable energy system designed to support ongoing business growth.
Conclusion
This 32.25kW Commercial Solar PV and Battery Storage installation demonstrates how businesses can utilise available roof space to generate substantial amounts of renewable energy while reducing operating costs and improving sustainability performance.
By combining 50 AIKO Stellar 1N+ solar panels with the advanced Sigenergy SigenStack hybrid energy system and gateway, Optimum Electrics delivered a powerful, intelligent and future-proof renewable energy solution that will continue to provide value for many years to come.
Whether you're looking to reduce energy costs, improve sustainability credentials or invest in long-term energy resilience, Optimum Electrics can design and install a bespoke commercial solar solution tailored to your business and its energy requirements.
Optimum Electrics is MCS, NICEIC and HIES accredited and an Octopus Energy Trusted Partner. We design and install solar, battery storage and EV charging systems across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Cambridge, Bedford, Northampton and Leicester.
Thinking about solar for your home? Get in touch for a free, no-obligation site survey.
📧 enquiries@optimumelectrics.co.uk | 📞 01733 601698
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