Solar Voltaics delivered a large-scale Kingsway Hospital solar installation in Derby, providing a 175.13kWp commercial solar PV system for the hospital’s Accommodation Building.
Designed to reduce energy costs, lower carbon emissions and support NHS sustainability targets, this hospital solar installation integrates seamlessly with the existing LV electrical infrastructure while maintaining operational continuity in a live healthcare environment.
Project Overview – Kingsway Hospital Solar Installation
-
Location: Kingsway Hospital, Derby
-
System Size: 175.13 kWp
-
Solar Panels: 422 × JA Solar 415W
-
Optimisers: 212 × SolarEdge P850 (2:1 configuration)
- Inverters:
– 1 × SolarEdge 90kW (Synergy)
– 1 × SolarEdge 50kW (Synergy)
-
Mounting System: Clenergy system (MCS012 wind uplift tested)
-
Grid Compliance: G99 compliant
-
Net Export Capacity: 140kW
This commercial solar installation was deployed across multiple roof zones to maximise generation while maintaining structural and electrical compliance.
Objectives of the Kingsway Hospital Solar Project
The primary goals of this hospital solar installation in Derby were to:
-
Reduce grid electricity consumption
-
Lower operational energy costs
-
Deliver measurable carbon savings
-
Support NHS decarbonisation strategy
-
Improve long-term energy resilience
-
Utilise available roof space efficiently
Given the critical nature of healthcare facilities, safety, compliance and system reliability were central to the design.
System Performance & Energy Generation
Detailed modelling using PV*SOL and SolarEdge Designer software provided the following performance projections:
-
Installed DC capacity: 175.13 kWp
-
Maximum AC output achieved: 134.7 kW
-
Specific annual yield: 869.06 kWh/kWp
-
Performance ratio: 87.18%
-
Annual solar generation: ~144,000 kWh (144 MWh)
-
Forecast grid export: 152,308 kWh per year
-
Shading losses: 1.1%
-
Clipping losses: 0.08%
The high performance ratio and minimal shading losses demonstrate effective layout optimisation across complex roof geometries.
Carbon Reduction Impact
The Kingsway Hospital solar installation is forecast to reduce carbon emissions by:
-
Up to 71,533 kg of CO₂ per year
-
Equivalent to over 1,200 trees planted annually
For NHS estates and public-sector organisations, projects of this scale make a meaningful contribution to Scope 2 emissions reduction and net-zero roadmaps.
Electrical & Technical Integration
As a live hospital environment, integration with existing infrastructure was critical.
The installation included:
-
SolarEdge Synergy commercial inverter systems
-
Type 1+2 DC surge protection devices
-
BS 88-2 cartridge fuse protection
-
AC isolators and generation metering
-
70mm² and 25mm² SWA cabling for inverter connections
-
Voltage drop compliance (<3%)
-
Full G99 grid connection approval
-
Fire alarm interface and firefighter gateway
The system connects directly into the hospital’s LV network, ensuring safe coordination with standby generator infrastructure.
Scope of Works
Solar Voltaics provided a complete turnkey solution including:
-
Detailed multi-roof survey and feasibility study
-
PV system modelling and yield forecasting
-
Structural mounting design
-
Supply and installation of all PV equipment
-
DC and AC cable calculations to BS 7671
-
Grid application and compliance management
-
Testing, commissioning and optimisation
-
O&M documentation and monitoring setup
The Clenergy mounting system was selected for its proven wind uplift performance and long-term durability in commercial environments.
Results – Commercial Solar for Healthcare Facilities
The completed Kingsway Hospital solar installation now delivers:
-
Significant reduction in daytime grid demand
-
Long-term protection against rising electricity prices
-
Large-scale annual carbon savings
-
Real-time performance monitoring
-
Improved sustainability credentials
With approximately 144MWh of clean energy generation annually, the system provides long-term operational savings while aligning with NHS sustainability objectives.
Considering a Hospital or Commercial Solar Installation?
Large public-sector buildings such as hospitals typically offer:
-
High daytime electricity demand
-
Significant roof space availability
-
Long-term occupancy
-
Strong return-on-investment potential
A 175kWp hospital solar installation can deliver substantial financial and environmental benefits over a 20–25 year system lifecycle.
If you are planning a hospital solar installation in the UK or require a feasibility study for a commercial solar PV system, our team can provide full technical design, grid management and turnkey delivery.
