Introduction:
The client is one of the largest regional airports in the UK, who were looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Airports are high-energy users, and have to balance this with the customer demand for sustainable and low cost flights.
The UK government has also put expectations on the aviation industry to be net zero by 2050, which is hard to reach given the greenhouse gas output from commercial and domestic flights.
For airports, solar can be an obvious answer to their sustainability issues as they usually have a lot of roof space to put solar arrays. The client already had a solar array on a flat roof, meeting some of their energy needs.
However, due to the nature of airports requiring so much energy, our client decided they needed to invest further into solar.
The project:
Carbon3 was appointed to design, install, and monitor a 67.23kWp solar PV system as part of the construction of a new multi-storey car park for a major UK airport.
The client was looking for a high-performance solar solution that would reduce energy bills and make their operations more sustainable.
However, the solar array had to fit some complex employee requirements to make sure it would be compatible with the site and safety regulations.
This project demonstrates how Carbon3 can deliver complex solar PV installations in safety-critical environments, balancing energy generation with operational constraints.
Client requirements:
The employer’s requirements for this project outlined several constraints, including:
- Full rooftop PV array on the primary PTI (passenger transport interchange) structure
- Offset imported energy to reduce operational costs and carbon footprint
- CAA-compliant glint and glare assessment to ensure safe aircraft operations given the site’s location in relation to airport facilities
- Strategic inverter placement for accessibility, with consideration for public safety and restricted access zones
- Specified SOLIS inverter supply for compatibility with the client’s existing network
- Integrated monitoring with the site’s Building Management System (BMS) for accurate performance tracking
- G99 grid connection with full protection relays and regulatory paperwork
- Cable management; DC cables routed within the building fabric, segregated from AC and communications cabling for safety and compliance
- Exclusion of PV on certain structures (bridge link and bus canopy) due to cleaning and structural constraints
Our solution:
Working closely with the client, the M&E company building the carpark, and our internal design team, Carbon3 delivered a 67.23kWp solution that met the technical, safety, and operational requirements. We made sure to work to schedule in collaboration with the M&E company, keeping disruption to the airport’s services to a minimum.
The most important consideration was the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) compliance. We conducted detailed glint and glare assessments to ensure the array wouldn’t impact aircraft safety or air traffic control visibility.
We also designed the PV array to maximise generation within the available footprint of the PTI roof, ensuring efficient energy output.
The client called for specific inverters to be installed in a plant room for controlled maintenance access. We put these in with select remote inverters sited to optimise cable runs without compromising safety.
The solar array needed to be integrated with the client’s BMS and car park services. Carbon3 connected the PV system directly to the car park services with G99 protection relays, in compliance with UK grid connection standards. We also integrated generation monitoring into the BMS, enabling real-time tracking and performance reporting.
All the materials and equipment met both the client’s specifications and UK standards, with additional review for certain international-sourced components.
Results:
- Installed capacity: 67.23kWp
- Annual energy generation: estimated at 57,145.5 kWh
- Carbon savings: 14,572kg CO₂ offset per year
- Operational savings: significant reduction in imported electricity costs
- Zero operational disruption during installation despite the high-security, safety-critical location
This installation provides the client with a long-term, predictable renewable energy source, delivering both environmental benefits and measurable cost savings.
Thinking about solar for your complex or safety-critical site?
Carbon3 has delivered renewable energy solutions for some of the UK’s most challenging environments. Get in touch to discuss your project at info@carbon3.co.uk.
