Addressing lead time challenges for major solar development

Published: - Author: Pete Hitchman

Power Supplies Group worked closely with our global supply partner Top Cable to deliver compliant, high quality and fully tested sub-main LV AC cable for Knowl Green, a 49.99MW solar development in Braintree, Essex, from British Solar Renewables.

Addressing common challenges with lead times and facilitating Factory Acceptance Testing before delivery, our end-to-end solution ensured complete confidence for British Solar Renewables. This significant development will deliver clean, reliable solar energy to the local grid, supporting households and businesses with home‑grown renewable power. 

Project Overview

  • Project: Knowl Green Solar Farm
  • Customer: British Solar Renewables
  • Sector: Solar
  • Developer and operator: British Solar Renewables
  • PSG scope of works: Specification, design, supply and Factory Acceptance Testing of sub-main LV AC cable

Seeking a new cable supplier

British Solar Renewables is an independent power producer that develops, designs, builds and operates its own solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) sites.

After experiencing lead time issues with an existing supplier, the team sought a new sub-main cable supplier for its Knowl Green Solar Farm project in Essex.

Power Supplies Group provided the reassurance needed – combining technical standards, suitable lead times and a fully auditable supply chain to meet all design and engineering requirements with confidence.

The 49.99MW Knowl Green site will provide clean energy to the Braintree district, developed in response to rising energy costs, growing concerns around energy security and the urgent need to cut carbon emissions in line with net zero targets. 

A fully compliant solutions

Top Cable’s PV LSHF FL DC Feeder Aluminium cable met high design standards including compliance with IEC 60502-1, AD8 and AG4 high-impact resistance. Power Supplies Group also accompanied the client for full Factory Acceptance Testing at Top Cable’s manufacturing facility in Spain, before the cable was delivered to site.

Meeting project demands

This project was made possible thanks to close collaboration between PSG, Top Cable and the client’s design and commercial teams. With a five-year warranty, the cable met all required design and technical standards – and was delivered on time, in line with demanding project schedules.

Murray Beaver, Director of Design and Engineering, British Solar Renewables said: “It was clear from the initial conversation that lead times wouldn’t be an issue with PSG because of their strong relationship with the manufacturer. It’s  important for us that cables are delivered on time, to the required standards, and manufactured to a high quality to ensure long-lasting assets.”