Lisset's Residential Homes

The Lissett Residential Homes project in YO42 1NR is a technically advanced commercial solar PV and battery storage installation developed to deliver high levels of on-site renewable generation while operating within a strict network constraint. Designed as a 234.5 kWdc rooftop solar system with integrated battery storage and PLC-based control, the project demonstrates how smart energy infrastructure can be used to reduce electricity costs, improve energy resilience, and support decarbonisation for larger commercial premises.

A key driver behind the scheme was the District Network Operator limitation of 190 kW, which required the full solar and battery system to be designed around a no-export and controlled-output philosophy. To make the project viable, a flow control strategy was developed so that solar PV generation and battery charging operate together in a coordinated way. When solar production rises above the permitted network threshold, excess generation is diverted into the battery energy storage system rather than being exported to the grid. This allows the site to maximise self-consumption of renewable electricity while preventing the system from exceeding the agreed network operating limit.

The project documentation identifies the installation as a 234.5 kW solar PV system supported by a 30 kW battery energy storage arrangement and controlled through an S7-1200 PLC system with HMI interface. The control philosophy was developed to regulate the operation of the solar generation and battery storage at a common 400 V board connected to the customer load and public electricity network. In practical terms, when the solar array is generating at full output, around 30 kW of excess power can be absorbed by the battery system so that aggregate instantaneous output remains within the 190 kW threshold. If the battery state of charge approaches its upper limit, the PLC logic must then curtail solar output to maintain compliance with the export restriction.

From a hardware perspective, the attached information shows a substantial commercial-grade installation using 527 Longi 445 W split-cell mono solar panels, together with a multi-inverter configuration that includes Solis three-phase inverters, export power management equipment, CT clamps, metering, DC isolators, AC isolators, and mounting components suitable for a large rooftop deployment. The battery solution is based on Huawei LUNA storage packs configured to provide flexible lithium iron phosphate storage with intelligent battery management and RS485 communication. This combination of solar generation, storage, inverter technology, and programmable controls creates a highly engineered system intended not only to generate renewable electricity, but also to actively manage power flow in response to network and site conditions.

The design intent also places strong emphasis on practical site integration. The available roof space was selectively assessed, with the usable installation zones focused on the main roof areas while excluding unsuitable sections. This reflects a commercial design approach that balances generation potential with roof constraints, access considerations, and operational practicality. The overall system therefore goes beyond a standard rooftop PV installation by incorporating electrical design, control engineering, export limitation logic, and battery interaction into one coordinated energy solution.

In commercial terms, this type of system offers significant long-term value. By maximising on-site solar consumption and controlling imported power demand, Lissett Residential Homes can reduce exposure to rising grid electricity prices and improve the operational efficiency of the site. At the same time, the renewable generation supports wider environmental targets by lowering reliance on carbon-intensive electricity from the public network. Depending on actual site load profile, solar utilisation, and battery operating strategy, the system is expected to deliver meaningful annual carbon savings and help future-proof the property against increasing energy cost pressures.

Overall, the Lissett Residential Homes project is a strong example of how commercial solar PV, battery storage, and PLC-led controls can be integrated into a single intelligent energy system. It showcases SolarTech’s capability to design and deliver not just rooftop solar installations, but advanced commercial energy solutions that respond to grid constraints, site demand, and real-world operational requirements.