Agri Wise SolarEdge Solar PV Installation

Project Overview

Agri-Wise Ltd, based in Chard, Somerset, is a leading manufacturer of mineral supplements for cattle and sheep. Like many agricultural businesses, they face high and rising energy costs, especially due to daytime manufacturing operations. We were contracted to design and install a 50kWp rooftop solar PV system to deliver energy cost savings, improve energy independence, and support long-term sustainability goals.

Design Summary

        Component                                                Specification

• System Size:               59.5 kWp
• Solar Panels:               140 × JA Solar 425W monocrystalline modules
• Inverter:                        SolarEdge 3-phase 50kW with Synergy Technology
• Mounting System:        Roof-mounted, pitched trapezoidal sheet metal
• Grid Connection:          Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) enabled
• Battery Storage   Not included
• Installation Date  2024

The system is connected to the site’s three-phase supply, using SolarEdge Synergy architecture to maximise generation, monitor module-level performance, and future-proof the system for battery or EV integration.

Optimizers & Wildlife Considerations

Due to the high bird presence on-site — common in agricultural locations — the roof was identified as being at risk of intermittent shading and fouling from nesting and droppings. These conditions can significantly reduce the efficiency of traditional string inverter systems, where one underperforming panel can affect the output of the entire string.

To mitigate this, the system was designed using SolarEdge power optimizers, with a 2:1 configuration, one optimizer managing every two solar panels. This setup strikes a balance between cost-efficiency and performance, allowing pairs of modules to operate more independently within the array.

Benefits of this configuration include:

• Improved energy yield where partial shading occurs
• Faster fault detection and maintenance through panel-pair level monitoring
• Reduced system losses caused by soiling or bird-related obstruction
• Lower optimizer cost per watt compared to 1:1 configurations

By proactively addressing this environmental risk, the system ensures long-term efficiency and resilience.

In addition to performance gains, the SolarEdge system includes advanced safety features critical in commercial and agricultural installations:

• Automatic DC voltage shutdown: In the event of inverter shutdown, grid disconnection, or emergency, the optimisers reduce DC voltage at the panel level to a safe level (typically <1V per panel), significantly lowering fire risk.
• Built-in arc fault detection: The system includes integrated arc fault protection to help prevent electrical arcing and identify faults early.
• Rapid shutdown compliance: The system meets or exceeds current UK and international safety standards for rooftop PV installations on commercial properties.

These features add an extra layer of protection for site staff, emergency services, and insurance compliance, while maintaining high system performance over time.

Performance Estimate

                              Metric                                                        Value

• Estimated Annual Generation:    58,380 kWh (58.38 MWh/year)
• Estimated Annual Savings:         £10,496
• CO₂ Savings:                              11.29 tonnes per year
• On-site Energy Offset:                69.97% of total demand

System modelling included real-world derating for environmental impact and typical agricultural roof degradation factors.

Installation Notes

• Mounting: Pitched metal roof, structurally assessed and MCS compliant
• Connection: G99-compliant grid connection with no reinforcement works
• Monitoring: Full access to SolarEdge online portal with performance tracking and alerts
• Timeline: Delivered on time and within budget with minimal disruption to on-site operations

Client Feedback

"Top quality job and service from start to finish. From design to installation and completion, the whole process was smooth and efficient. Highly recommended. Thanks again guys."

 Operations Manager, Agri-Wise Ltd

Strategic Impact

• 69.97% on-site consumption of solar generation
• Improved operational cost control in an energy intensive process environment
• Enhanced system reliability through the use of optimisers in a bird-heavy area
• Infrastructure ready for future upgrades (EVs, storage, additional arrays)

Summary

The Agri-Wise installation demonstrates how smart design and environmental awareness can maximise solar output, even in challenging settings. By integrating module-level optimisation, the system avoids yield losses typically caused by birds, a common issue in all sectors.

We support agricultural and commercial clients in achieving cost savings and sustainability through practical, future-proof solar energy systems.