Suffolk Yacht Harbour (SYH) on the River Orwell in Levington is set to host a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS), described as the first of its kind for a UK marina, with Push Power Ltd designing and installing the project.
The installation will consist of 1,152 ground-mounted solar panels with an annual generation capacity of 479,108kW. A battery storage system with a capacity of 852.48kWh will also be included.
Based on the project figures, the solar output is equivalent to the electricity use of around 133 homes, while the battery system provides energy for about 86 homes per day.
Andy Khan, managing director of Push Power Ltd said: “This is a pioneering project for the UK’s marina sector. Push Power will design and deliver the country’s first ground-mounted solar PV and BESS system to energise a yacht harbour, resulting in optimal energy efficiency with significant cost-savings and greater operational resilience for SYH. We anticipate Push Power’s solar solution for SYH will cover nearly 50 percent of the company’s annual electricity needs, greatly reducing their reliance on grid power.”
Push Power Ltd has worked on more than 400MW of solar PV projects across the UK, including ground-mounted and roof installations for commercial and industrial sites.
Khan added: “Adding marine facilities to our wide-ranging portfolio of commercial clients demonstrates Push Power’s expertise and agility in delivering solar solutions across multiple sectors, upholding our client’s energy efficiency goals, minimising their carbon footprint and significantly reducing their overall energy expenditure.”
Suffolk Yacht Harbour was established in 1967 and currently provides 550 berths as well as additional swinging moorings. It also offers workshops, two chandleries and eleven marine businesses, along with a hoist capacity described as the largest between Bridlington in Yorkshire and the Solent.
Josh Major, managing director at Suffolk Yacht Harbour, said: “We’re very pleased to be working with Push Power on this project, which marks an important step forward for Suffolk Yacht Harbour. As a working harbour, we’re always looking for ways to evolve responsibly - supporting the businesses and people based here while reducing our impact on the environment around us. This installation reflects a long-term commitment to the future of the harbour, helping us move towards more sustainable operations while remaining true to the character and heritage of the site.”
