The German company Kaco (www.kaco-newenergy.com) has seen 90 of its solar PV inverters (these convert the variable direct-current output of a photo-voltaic solar panel into an alternating current that can be fed into the grid or used locally) processing solar power for on-site use at the Marks & Spencer East Midlands Distribution Centre in Castle Donington.

Totalling 6.1MW, this photo-voltaic facility is the largest solar roof-top in the UK.

A total of 24,272 PV modules are spread across the centre’s entire roof, which measures 460 x 170m. SBC Renewables designed a de-centralised system using 90 KACO Powador 60.0 TL3 and four Powador 18.0 TL3 solar PV inverters.

The installation of the PV array was carried out during on-going distribution centre operations, with access to the 30m high roof provided by four external six-storey stair towers. The output of the installation is sufficient to supply the energy needs of 2,000 households.