Mainland Power has completed the design and installation of a full solar panel system on the roof of a plasterboard recycling shed owned by waste management specialist Countrystyle.

Work involved installation of a 680 kWp rooftop solar PV system comprising 1,400 high-efficiency 490W modules, paired with 10 x 60kW SolaX string inverters and full TIGO optimisation across the arrays.

Due to the site’s consistently high energy demand, 100% of the energy generated is consumed on site, with the system covering up to 30% of the facility’s annual electricity requirements.

The installation is forecast to generate approximately 598,000 kWh per year, delivering annual savings in excess of £100,000 and more than £2m in avoided energy costs over the system’s lifetime.

A number of technical and operational challenges were addressed during the design and delivery phases. The existing substation and main switchgear required bespoke adaptation to safely integrate the new rooftop generation plant, ensuring compliance with grid and site-specific electrical requirements.

As part of the works, new mansafe systems were installed to provide permanent fall protection. Installation activities were planned around a significant number of roof lights, with strict controls in place to maintain safe working practices throughout.

With the facility operating 24 hours a day, the programme was designed to enable zero operational downtime while maintaining the highest standards of health and safety.