All Creatures Great and Small

Located at Church Farm, Llanfrechfa, Cwmbran (NP44 8AD), this bespoke 30.6kW solar PV installation powers one of South Wales' beloved animal sanctuaries. The system comprises 68 high-efficiency 450W Sungrow solar panels strategically mounted across dual-aspect agricultural barn roofs, maximizing energy capture through southwest and northeast orientations at 15° inclination.

Designed by SolarTech UK and commissioned in January 2026, this commercial installation features a state-of-the-art 30kW three-phase hybrid inverter system with comprehensive safety integration including Viridian ArcBox arc fault protection and ProJoy firefighter safety switches. The four-string configuration ensures optimal performance across varying roof aspects, utilizing Metasole professional mounting systems and IMO isolators for complete regulatory compliance.

Environmental Impact: Generating approximately 25,888 kWh of clean electricity annually, this installation displaces approximately 6 tonnes of CO₂ emissions yearly (using current UK grid carbon factors), supporting the sanctuary's mission to protect rescued animals while minimizing environmental paw-print.

Technical Highlights: Emlite EMP1100A three-phase generation metering provides precise export monitoring, while the hybrid-ready infrastructure allows future battery storage integration. The system meets full MCS standards, qualifying for Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments and ensuring 25+ year operational lifespan.

This project demonstrates how agricultural and charitable organizations in Wales can achieve energy independence through tailored commercial solar solutions, reducing operational costs while supporting carbon reduction targets.