Commercial Solar Case Study – Loughborough.

At a Glance

• System size: 17.85 kWp across 35 Aiko 510 W Black modules – With 35 Tigo Optimisers

• Inverter: Solis S6-EH3P15K-H three‑phase with 4 x MPPT; configured 17 modules on MPPT1 and 18 on MPPT3 for balanced performance.

• Battery storage: Dura5 HV high‑voltage LiFePO4 batteries

• Roof type: Flat roof with Van der Valk ballasted, non‑penetrative mounting. Tilt 14°, south facing.

• Forecast generation:

  • MCS method: 15,304 kWh/year.

  • PV*Sol model: 17,983 kWh/year, performance ratio 92.28%.

• Carbon impact: ~3.4 t CO₂ avoided annually.

• Financials: ~£2,499 first‑year combined savings and export revenue payback ~ <5 years.

• Programme: ~5‑day installation with full commissioning, client training and MCS certification.

• Monitoring: Real‑time app and web portal using the site’s Wi‑Fi.

Our Solution

Bespoke design for a flat‑roof community site
We modelled both MCS and PV*Sol scenarios to size a system that maximises capacity without compromising roof integrity. The array uses ballasted Van der Valk frames to avoid roof penetrations, with modules set at 14° to optimise yield while keeping profile low. The layout follows planning guidance for flat roofs and maintains 1m set‑backs from roof edges.

Premium PV and balanced strings
To deliver strong performance and a clean aesthetic, we fitted 35 x Aiko 510 W Black modules mapped across the Solis S6-EH3P15K-H 4xMPPT inverter in 17/18 strings for even current and minimal mismatch. The site runs on a three‑phase supply, enabling efficient export and balanced loads.

Battery storage for evening use
We integrated Dura5 HV batteries so ARC can hold on to more daytime generation for evening activities, reducing reliance on grid imports when tariffs.

Zero‑pressure, end‑to‑end delivery
Pogo handled design, G99 grid approval, scaffolding, installation, commissioning and MCS certification, plus on‑site training and performance monitoring setup over the Hub’s Wi‑Fi. All works were delivered under our documented RAMS and commercial insurances.

Results and Performance

Transparent forecasts from two models

• MCS forecast: 15,304 kWh/year generation, aligned to national methodology.

• PV*Sol simulation: 17,983 kWh/year AC yield with only 1.0% shading losses; self‑consumption 29.5% and 12,676 kWh exported in the PV‑only scenario. Battery operation is expected to lift the self‑consumption ratio further by shifting excess daytime generation into evening use.

Financial outlook

• First‑year combined benefit modelled at ~£2,499 from on‑site savings and export payments.

• IRR ~25.03% and payback ~4 years, 3 months, based on £0.25/kWh import and £0.15/kWh export assumptions used in the PV*Sol model.

• Levelised cost of solar around 3.17 p/kWh over the assessment period.

Carbon savings
The PV*Sol analysis indicates ~3,594 kg CO₂ avoided each year, strengthening ARC’s community sustainability story.