540 kWp Solar PV Feasibility Design for Harwell TF1 Building
PVSol feasibility layout for the 540 kWp rooftop solar PV system on the TF1 building at Harwell Campus.
Nortcel was asked to assess whether the TF1 building at Harwell Campus was a suitable candidate for rooftop solar PV. The main concern was the building’s unusual roof form, including its inverse pitch and the large number of rooflights.
The feasibility review showed that the roof could still support a meaningful solar PV system. The PVSol model identified a potential 540 kWp rooftop PV layout, using the available roof areas around the rooflights.
The challenge
At first review, the roof appeared difficult for solar PV. The rooflights, architectural form and inverse pitch reduced the obvious available area and raised questions about whether the building was worth progressing.
Nortcel carried out a feasibility layout and yield assessment to test the available roof space, identify practical module zones and check whether the site could still deliver a strong renewable energy opportunity.
The solution
Nortcel developed a 540 kWp rooftop solar PV feasibility design using an east-west layout suited to the building geometry.
The proposed system used 1,200 Trina Solar modules and 4 SolaX inverters. No battery storage was included at this stage.
Project results
The PVSol simulation estimated annual solar generation of 508,193 kWh / year.
Based on the feasibility assumptions used in the model, the system achieved 72.3% own power consumption and 39.1% self-sufficiency. Estimated avoided emissions were 238,740 kg CO₂ / year.
Design outcome
The assessment showed that the building was a viable candidate for solar PV despite the rooflights and inverse pitch. The design provided a practical basis for further project review, connection planning and stakeholder discussion.
Key figures
System size: 540 kWp
Annual generation: 508,193 kWh / year
Own power consumption: 72.3%
Self-sufficiency: 39.1%
Grid export: 140,497 kWh / year
CO₂ avoided: 238,740 kg / year
PV modules: 1,200 Trina Solar modules
Inverters: 4 SolaX inverters
Battery storage: Not included at this stage
