Pheasant Barn Case Study

Pheasant Barn, Oare – Solar PV on Grade 2 Listed Barn Conversion

PV array and a 14.2kWh Energy Storage System

We wanted to do something to mitigate climate change by using natural electricity instead of gas for our hot water and to catalyse our purchase of an all electric car. At the same time we wanted the panels to be as unobtrusive as possible so set them into the plane of our grey slate garage roof. It was a very smooth and quick installation and more than meets our current domestic electricity demands, but we could do with a bit more sunshine.

Paul Vaight, Property Owner

This PV array and energy storage system (ESS) supplies power to a large grade 2 listed barn conversion. The array is mounted on the roof of a modern garage which lies within the curtilage of the main barn. The planning application was passed at committee after it had been recommended for refusal by the planning officers.

As a planning condition to mitigate its visual impact the PV array, comprising 19 JA Solar 345 Wp modules, is in-roof mounted using a GSE mounting system. It is connected to a Soils 6kW hybrid inverter which is also mounted in the garage and is connected to a sub-distribution board.

The inverter is DC coupled to a 14.2 kWh Pylon Force-L2 low voltage battery, comprised of 4 modules. The modular construction of the battery provides a flexible solution which allows its capacity to be extended whilst in service.

The inverter is connected to an energy metre which monitors the import and export of power at the incoming supply to the house. It uses this to determine whether power generated by the PV array is used to supply household loads or if there is surplus that can be used to charge the battery. If there is a deficit it will determine whether this can be supplied from the battery rather than importing electricity from the grid.

Invicta Clean Energy