Project Overview
Genfit completed a 300 kWp rooftop Solar PV installation at Capital City Academy in London in April 2022.
The project involved the installation of 659 LONGi Solar panels, creating a large rooftop renewable energy system designed to generate clean electricity directly on-site and reduce the Academy’s reliance on grid-supplied energy.
The system is estimated to generate approximately 263.08 MWh of renewable electricity each year, helping Capital City Academy reduce its annual carbon emissions by around 60 tonnes of CO₂.
The installation also included SolarEdge P950 power optimisers, alongside two SolarEdge 100 kW three-phase inverters and a SolarEdge 33.3 kW three-phase inverter, helping maximise system performance and provide enhanced monitoring across the installation.
Delivered over a two-week period, the project provides Capital City Academy with a long-term renewable energy asset while supporting its wider sustainability and carbon reduction goals.
Project Details
System Design & Technology
The installation utilises a SolarEdge commercial PV system, selected for its advanced monitoring, module-level optimisation and enhanced safety features.
2 × SolarEdge SE100K Synergy Manager inverters and 1 × SE33.3K inverter, providing efficient three-phase conversion across the system.
330 × SolarEdge P950 power optimisers, helping maximise the performance of the 659 solar panels across the rooftop array.
Module-level monitoring provides detailed performance information and helps identify any individual panel or optimiser issues.
Enhanced SolarEdge safety features, including rapid voltage reduction and integrated DC safety functionality, help improve system safety during operation and maintenance.
LONGi Solar, LR4-72HPH-455M × 659
- Half-Cell Design: Improves efficiency and helps reduce heat losses.
- 455W Output: Strong performance for commercial rooftop systems.
- Shading Performance: Helps maintain output during partial shading.
- Positive Power Tolerance: 0 to +3% output tolerance.
- Low Degradation: Designed for strong long-term performance.
- 25-Year Power Warranty: Long-term output protection.
- Durable Construction: Tempered glass with aluminium frame.
- IP68 Junction Box: High protection against dust and moisture.
Module Specifications:
- Power: 455W
- Max Efficiency: 20.9%
- Weight: 24.3kg
- Dimensions: 2094mm × 1038mm × 35mm
- Cell Configuration: 144 half-cells
SolarEdge SE100K Synergy Manager × 2
- 100kW Three-Phase Inverter: Designed for large commercial Solar PV systems.
- Synergy Technology: Uses multiple units for flexible system design.
- High Efficiency: Converts DC power efficiently for site use.
- Module-Level Monitoring: Works with SolarEdge optimisers for detailed performance data.
- Built-In Safety Features: Includes DC safety and system protection functions.
- Commercial Design: Suited to large rooftop installations.
Inverter Specifications:
- Rated AC Power: 100kW
- Phase: Three-phase
- Quantity: 2
SolarEdge SE33.3K × 1
- 33.3kW Three-Phase Inverter: Provides efficient conversion for smaller sections of the array.
- High Efficiency: Designed to maximise Solar PV energy conversion.
- Module-Level Monitoring: Works with SolarEdge optimisers for detailed system visibility.
- Enhanced Safety: Includes integrated SolarEdge safety features.
- Commercial Design: Suitable for larger commercial PV installations.
Inverter Specifications:
- Rated AC Power: 33.3kW
- Phase: Three-phase
- Quantity: 1
SolarEdge P950 Power Optimiser × 330
- Module-Level Optimisation: Helps each pair of panels operate efficiently.
- 2:1 Configuration: One optimiser connects to two PV modules.
- Improved Energy Yield: Reduces the impact of mismatch and shading.
- Module-Level Monitoring: Provides detailed performance visibility.
- Enhanced Safety: Supports SolarEdge SafeDC™ voltage reduction.
- Commercial Design: Built for large-scale rooftop PV systems.
Optimiser Specifications:
- Model: P950
- Quantity: 330
- Configuration: 2 panels per optimiser
- Rated Input Power: 950W
Project Planning & Preparation
Delivering the 300 kWp Solar PV installation at Capital City Academy required careful planning and coordination to complete the works safely within an active education environment. The project was delivered over a two-week programme, with close coordination between the site team, Academy and project stakeholders.
Planning & Safety
Two-week installation programme
Works coordinated around the Academy
Detailed RAMS and site planning
Safety Management
Safe roof access arrangements
Working-at-height controls
Daily site safety management
Engineering
Rooftop layout and system design
SolarEdge electrical design
DNO and grid connection coordination
Delivery
659 panels installed
Materials and access carefully coordinated
Full testing and commissioning completed
Environmental Impact
- 50 Tonnes CO₂ Emissions Avoided
- 2310 Equivalent Environmental Benefit
Installation & Description of Works
A 300 kWp rooftop Solar PV system designed, installed and commissioned at Capital City Academy in London. The system was completed over a two-week programme and integrated with the Academy’s existing electrical infrastructure.
Solar PV Array
659 LONGi Solar 455W modules installed across the Academy rooftop to generate clean renewable electricity on site.
Electrical Infrastructure
2 × SolarEdge SE100K Synergy Managers and 1 × SE33.3K inverter, with new DC/AC cabling and associated electrical connections.
Monitoring & Safety
330 × SolarEdge P950 power optimisers provide module-level optimisation and detailed system monitoring.
Testing & Compliance
Full testing and commissioning completed to applicable BS 7671, DNO and SolarEdge requirements, ensuring safe and compliant operation.
Delivering the Solar PV installation at Capital City Academy was a great project for the team. Installing 659 panels across the Academy roof in just two weeks required careful planning and coordination, particularly while working within a live education environment. The finished 300 kWp system is a strong example of how schools and academies can use their roof space to generate clean energy, reduce carbon emissions and support their long-term sustainability goals.
– Dave Houston
Director, Genfit
