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HBS New Energies complete rooftop solar arrays at 5 water and wastewater treatment facilities for Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. By unlocking the value in otherwise unused roof space, HBS has increased on-site solar generation for the water utility, helping to power their operations with a reliable renewable energy source.

Dwr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) selected HBS New Energies as its solar partner to deliver phase 1 of its Glas Advantage Renewable Energy Programme and manage the design, installation and commissioning of rooftop solar arrays at five water treatment facilities.

As one of the largest energy users in Wales with an annual energy consumption of 460GWh, Welsh Water need huge amounts of electricity to pump the 800 million litres of water it supplies daily to over three million people across its service network.

Currently the Welsh water utility generates more than 25% of its own energy needs through a combination of solar, wind, hydro and advance anaerobic digestion technologies across 50 of its sites. It aims to boost this to 30% by the end of 2019.

Project delivery

  • Under the contract, HBS New Energies managed all stages of this multi-site project. From feasibility, design and supply, through to construction, electrical installation and commissioning.
  • Following successful feasibility of each building’s roof type and structure. HBS conducted on-site structural and electrical surveys to identify any potential issues that could arise. Our in-house design team reviewed the results and presented initial designs for client consideration. Following sign-off, the project team submitted final PV system designs for, adhering to the contract and performance targets required.
  • Due to varying roof types identified at the water and wastewater treatment sites, we proposed a roof-integrated PV application for the slate tile roofs and a fixed framework solution for the trapezoidal roofs. Both types satisfied the structural reports received at the survey stage.
  • The isolated locations of the water and wastewater treatment facilities in Snowdonia presented logistical challenges which HBS overcame by developing a detailed Traffic Management Plan and a high level of efficient coordination with the supply chain.
  • A dedicated HBS project manager coordinated multiple HBS install teams to complete the roofing, electrical installation and commissioning of the five solar PV systems in challenging weather conditions and against short timescales. The result saw all works being completed to a high-quality standard, in a safe manner before the Feed-in Tariff closed.
  • Before energising each of the PV arrays, HBS’ on-site management liaised with DCWW’s on-site OPS teams to facilitate an electrical shutdown to minimise disruption to the wastewater treatment process. We delivered a system operation handover for each of the solar systems and produced site-specific H&S files and O&M manuals.
  • With a combined capacity of 390 kWp, the roof mounted solar arrays are set to generate up to 360 kWh of zero carbon electricity per annum. This will reduce Welsh Water’s carbon emissions by approximately 186 tonnes each year.
  • By retro-fitting a range of roof-integrated and fixed framework PV systems, HBS has been able to unlock the value of unused roof space across Welsh Water’s portfolio. The solar panels are now helping to power the utility’s operations with reliable and cost effective zero-carbon electricity, reducing each sites reliance on grid supplied electricity.
  • Welsh Water went onto to appoint HBS as one of the PV contractors to deliver Phase 2 of its Renewable Energy Programme, which will see a combination of ground mounted, floating and rooftop solar PV systems developed across 21 water and wastewater treatment sites.

Project summary

    Locations Multi-site    
    Total scheme size 387.5 kWp    
    Total annual output  360 kWh    
    Total annual CO2 savings  186 t    

Phase 1 facilitated a great introduction to DCWW on how HBS are becoming market leaders in the design and delivery of renewable energy solutions to the UK water industry. We look forward to bringing the high standard HBS guarantee to the design and delivery of phase 2 of their Renewable Energy Programme.

Charles Bull, Operations Director, HBS New Energies

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