With three new members of the technical team, the BRE National Solar Centre is moving up a gear. In our latest project, we are collaborating with the MET Office and the University of Exeter to develop a short term solar generation forecasting tool to predict the potential yield at different localities in the UK. The project will use metrological and satellite data in combination with electricity generation data from solar PV installations across the UK. If you are interested in contributing data, we would be very pleased to receive automatically recorded generation data from any type or size of solar installation within the UK that has been operational for a year or more (contact: nsc@bre.co.uk).
In other projects, the NSC is providing project development support, technical due diligence for financiers, performance and fault investigations & expert witness services.
The programme for the outdoor test site for PV modules and systems has been re-scheduled for commencement in 2015, due to grant funding restrictions. However, in the mean time we are actively making progress on the required legal and planning agreements.
The flow of publications continues – the most recent titles being the ‘Installation of photovoltaic panels on existing flat roofs – some lessons learned’ and ‘Wind loads on roof-mounted photovoltaic and solar thermal systems (DG 489 revised 2014)’. The next releases will be: ‘A best practice guide for the development of solar farms on agricultural land, in association with the National Farmers Union (NFU)’; ‘A best practice guide on the selection of DC isolators for PV systems’; and a series of case studies promoting the use of solar across different industries in the UK.
The NSC staff would love to meet you at the Solar Energy UK exhibition (NEC, Birmingham, 14 – 16 Oct), so come and visit our stand if you like to chat about joint research ideas or how we may support your project.