Rooftop solar reduces electricity bill by 66%
Thomas Telford University Technical College (UTC) has cut its annual electricity costs by 66% with the installation of an innovative DC-optimised rooftop solar system. Designed and installed by renewable energy specialist Kembla Limited using SolarEdge technology, the system is helping the college to meet its high energy demands while also serving as a powerful educational tool for students.
Thomas Telford UTC is situated in the historic Grade II listed building of the former Springfield Brewery in Telford. The solar system was installed as part of a £12.6 million expansion project aimed at creating an energy-efficient campus for students aged 11-19 years. Funded by a loan from the School Capital Funding Scheme, the system generates approximately 277 MWh of renewable energy annually. Most of this energy is used on-site to power the school’s operations, while any surplus produced during weekends and holidays is sold to the grid, generating additional revenue for the school.
Richard Rhodes, Buildings and Fabrics Manager at Thomas Telford UTC, comments: "As a school specialising in environment, design and build, the solar installation has become an invaluable asset. It not only significantly reduces our electricity costs but also generates new revenue, allowing us to invest more money in student education, upgrading equipment and maintaining our facilities. Beyond the financial benefits, it aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and curriculum enrichment, providing students with an engaging learning tool.”
Kembla Limited was selected for the project based on its successful solar installations at other schools within the Thomas Telford Multi-Academy Trust. The 318.86 kWp solar system includes 733 solar panels, upgraded to smart panels with SolarEdge Power Optimizers, and three 90 kW SolarEdge inverters. Power Optimizers are installed on each pair of panels to ensure they operate at peak efficiency even if some panels are shaded or soiled. This advanced technology also provides greater flexibility in panel layout, optimising energy production by adapting to the roof's design.
Declan Adams, Managing Director of Kembla Limited, explains: “Thomas Telford UTC was keen to maximise the savings generated by the solar system, but, like many educational facilities, the site’s varying roof angles presented a challenge. Conventional, non-optimised solar systems limit panel placement due to the need for uniform tilt and equal string lengths, which restricts energy production. The SolarEdge system removes these constraints, enabling a customised layout and increased energy output."
Safety was the college’s top priority. The SolarEdge system incorporates embedded safety features such as arc-fault detection and SafeDC, which is designed to reduce voltage levels in solar arrays to a touch-safe 1V, providing safe roof access for maintenance personnel. Additionally, two SolarEdge Firefighter Gateways are integrated with the school’s fire alarm system. These are designed to automatically shut down the solar array if the alarm is triggered, ensuring firefighters can quickly and safely access the roof.
The system’s advanced safety features, combined with the installation of permanent edge protection to eliminate the need for temporary scaffolding during maintenance, created an added benefit for the college: a secure rooftop area that students can safely use to observe the solar system firsthand.
Rhodes at Thomas Telford UTC comments: “Our students have shown tremendous interest in the solar installation. It’s great that we have a safe space on our roof to demonstrate the panels and the equipment involved in the generation of solar power. Additionally, we use the SolarEdge App to show students the benefits [of solar energy] and how it is distributed across our site.”
Rhodes concludes: “Thanks to Kembla’s expertise and SolarEdge’s advanced technology, we had full confidence in our decision to invest in solar. That decision is not only benefiting our school today but will continue to support both our campus and students for years to come."
