30.00 MWp Ground-Mounted Solar PV Concept for a Farm Site in Lancashire
Concept layout for a 30.00 MWp ground-mounted solar PV system modelled for a farm site in Lancashire.
Nortcel was asked to review a large ground-mounted solar PV opportunity and prepare generation and financial modelling based on a revised 715 W module specification.
The project was developed as an essential concept design, with the aim of understanding expected generation, export potential and commercial viability before progressing into a more detailed layout stage.
The challenge
The scale of the project created a modelling limitation. The full layout exceeded PVSol’s 3D simulation limit, so the design required a combined modelling approach rather than relying on a single software output.
The client also wanted the original layout capacity maintained at approximately 30 MWp while updating the design around larger 715 W modules.
The solution
Nortcel used a combined HelioScope and PVSol workflow. HelioScope was used to support the full array layout, row spacing and shading interaction assessment, while PVSol was used in parallel for generation validation and financial modelling.
The PVSol model used a 30.00 MWp ground-mounted PV system with Canadian Solar 715 W modules and Sungrow inverters.
Project results
The PVSol simulation estimated annual grid export of 31,165,517 kWh / year.
The model achieved a specific annual yield of 1,038.67 kWh/kWp and a performance ratio of 92.74%.
Estimated avoided emissions were 5,515,601 kg CO₂ / year.
Energy profile
Monthly generation profile for the 30.00 MWp ground-mounted solar PV concept design.
The generation profile shows the expected monthly output from the 30.00 MWp ground-mounted solar PV system, with peak production during late spring and summer.
Design outcome
The work provided a clear early-stage basis for assessing the generation potential and commercial direction of the project.
It also defined the next technical inputs required before detailed design, including mounting system specification, table configuration, inclination angle and maximum table width or module count per table.
Key figures
System size: 30.00 MWp
Annual grid export: 31,165,517 kWh / year
Specific annual yield: 1,038.67 kWh/kWp
Performance ratio: 92.74%
CO₂ avoided: 5,515,601 kg / year
PV modules: 41,960 Canadian Solar 715 W modules
Inverters: 80 Sungrow inverters
PV generator surface: 130,342.5 m²
Installation type: Ground-mounted open space
Battery storage: Not included
Design stage: Essential concept and generation modelling
