The photovoltaic (PV) project at Matrix House, Swansea is a part of ambitions to decarbonise the NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership estate.
Introduction
The photovoltaic (PV) project at Matrix House, Swansea, is part of NWSSP ambitions to decarbonise our estate in accordance with the targets detailed in the NHS Wales Decarbonisation Strategic Delivery Plan published in March 2021.
After completing initial surveys, including structural checks on the existing building, it was highlighted that Matrix House roof had a high potential for generations of clean energy through the use of Solar Photovoltaics (PV) and potential payback within 5 years.
Challenge
To minimise the fire risk associated with the PV installation it was decided to locate the inverters in an external enclosure which required planning. If planning was not gained an alternative location for the inverters was agreed in an existing external plant room. This new location had a potential effect on cable sizing and costs due to the location being further away. Fortunately, permission was granted in accordance with the Contractors programme.
Approach
Implementing a solar project such as this can address several existing issues related to energy and carbon use, providing solutions that contribute to sustainability and environmental goals.
Following discussions with the City and County of Swansea Council, it was determined that the project could proceed on the basis of a permitted development application rather than full planning, which was granted in November 2024.
NWSSP progressed with the design for the roof-mounted solar PV option consisting of 137kW of solar PV arrays generating approx. 116,476kWh of electricity per annum.
The array is made up of 224 615watt panels. It was decided to position the inverters in the existing building bike store and a new GRP enclosure for the other side of the building.
Planning was sought for the new enclosure and was confirmed for February 2025.
Contributes towards
Well Being of Future Generations Act 2015
- Globally responsible (on site renewable energy generation, use of local suppliers etc.)
Welsh Government decarbonisation Strategic Delivery Plan (Initiative 10 – Onsite renewable energy generation)
Impacts and outcomes
As the building has two electrical supplies and associated meters with the National Grid, the PV power generated is spread evenly across the two halves of the site. The agreement with the National Grid also allows us to export up to a total of 160kW to their system if the demand is not met by the building.
The system went live at the end of March and already has achieved days when we have generated more than what we used in the building and exported to the grid.
Lessons learnt and future planning
Going forward the next phase will involve the roll out of additional EVCPs on the site, which will complement the PV project and further enhance NWSSP decarbonisation aspirations.
