PSG works with Sustainable Bright to support solar farm development

Published: - Author: Pete Hitchman

(Representative image)

Working to a tight turnaround and to a detailed cable specification, Power Supplies Group supported Sustainable Bright, specialists in the construction of utility scale solar PV plants and related infrastructure, to deliver one of the first projects in the UK from its client, a large European independent power producer.

Our technical expertise ensured market-leading cables from Top Cable and earthing accessories were supplied in line with the necessary technical standards, matched to ensure buildability, and delivered on time to meet project schedules.

Project Overview

  • Project: Solar farm, Staffordshire
  • Customer: Sustainable Bright
  • Sector: Solar
  • PSG scope of works: Supply of 33kV transfer and string cable, plus earthing conductors and MV terminations

Seeking technical expertise in local markets

This project was one of the first renewable projects to be progressed in the UK by an international developer as part of its commitment to renewable energy in the UK. As a result, the project team faced unique challenges around understanding and applying the various technical standards required for a UK solar development, and the power producer was keen to work with construction and supply partners who could support in meeting local requirements.

Power Supplies Group and EPC contractor Sustainable Bright worked closely with the client’s technical advisor to make sure the detailed cable specification met and exceeded the required standards.

Supplying cables and accessories

In line with our cable systems approach, Power Supplies Group supplied 33kV MV transfer and solar string cable from global supply partner Top Cable, together with compatible copper cable earthing conductors and REPL terminations.

All cables adhere to the relevant standards, including BS6622 for Top Cable’s X-VOLT MV cable, IEC 60502-1 for transfer cable and Top Cable’s TOPSOLAR PV H1Z2Z2-K cable, which is TÜV certified according to EN 50618 and AENOR, CCa2-rated and with AD8 water protection.

Meeting project demands

In total, 216,000m of the TOPSOLAR cable was delivered to site, which is UV resistant according to UNE 211605. Additional standards cover the outer sheath made from Polyolefin type TS2 according to BS 7655-10.1, ensuring it is suitable for open air installations. Anti-rodent additives were also provided.

The project team was given a tight ten-week turnaround for the MV cable, and thanks to PSG’s strong relationship with Top Cable, it was delivered just nine weeks from order, even accounting for an August factory shutdown.

Roxana Oprisoreanu, Director and Founder at Sustainable Bright, said: “We had complete confidence in PSG, both in the quality of cables from Top Cable and in their ability to meet demanding deadlines. It’s vitally important that products are specified to the required technical specifications, particularly when we’re working on behalf of new entrants to the UK market, where clarity is essential.”