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PUSHING PERFORMANCE at CODFORD

Sailsbury, Wiltshire.

This was Centrica’s first newly built solar farm, owned and operated as part of their strategy to develop a portfolio of flexible energy assets. It also marked Centrica’s first project with Push Power and was the first large-scale project we undertook following the pandemic. Despite challenges such as global supply chain disruptions, unanticipated material costs, and resource availability, the project was successfully delivered

This project was Centrica's first UK solar farm, with the scope of work covering civil, mechanical, and electrical installation, sub-contracting management, and cold commissioning. The project is part of Centrica’s broader plans to build a portfolio of low-carbon assets, contributing to the UK government’s ambitions for a ‘green grid.’

Key Metrics:

18 MW Codford Solar Farm in Wiltshire: Centrica’s first major solar asset
33,000 panels installed
CO₂ savings equivalent to powering 4,850 homes annually
19 GWh of green electricity expected annually, enough to power around 4,850 homes

Power in Numbers

2022

Year ROI

18200

kW DC Capacity

33000

Moduels

281668.09

Trees Planted

6196.7

Tonnes in Carbon Reduction

Plans into action: Installation

The installation process for the Codford Solar Farm demonstrated the team’s ability to overcome significant challenges while maintaining high standards of safety and efficiency. The project began in March and was energised in November, following a six-month delay caused by a TX unit hold-up, though key milestone dates remained unaffected. With planning permission expected to cover up to 40 years, the installation was designed for long-term impact and durability.

The site’s proximity to Stonehenge and the discovery of Neolithic artefacts introduced archaeological challenges, restricting work in specific areas and limiting ground penetration, requiring innovative alternative solutions.

Despite these hurdles, the team maintained an impeccable health and safety record with no delays or downtime caused by incidents. Civil and groundworks included a 3km trench dig from the point of connection (POC) to the distribution network operator (DNO) at the farm’s edge.

Construction took place during the UK’s hottest recorded summer, with temperatures reaching 40.3°C, yet mechanical installation proceeded smoothly and adhered to the original schedule. While there were some commissioning and generation delays, they did not impact the project’s overall timeline, showcasing the team's ability to adapt and deliver under pressure.

Performance Overview and Key Efficiency Results

The Codford Solar Farm has demonstrated exceptional performance, exceeding initial expectations in several key metrics. Despite early indications of underperformance against the PVSyst model, a detailed comparison revealed the system’s actual performance exceeded the contractual PR of 84% by over 2%, showcasing the effectiveness of its design and materials.

Using high-quality components and prioritising uptime, the system minimised defects and other performance issues. Resilience testing was also highlighted as the site endured several significant storms, including Storm Agnes, Bert, and Darragh, without any structural compromise or loss of efficiency. These events underscored the robustness of the installation and its adherence to stringent quality assurance standards.

Additionally, Year 0-2 performance data and peak generation details are set for further analysis, ensuring ongoing optimisation and transparency. The project’s focus on sustainability is further supported by its anticipated biodiversity benefits, contributing to ecological net gain through land management that reduces intensive farming practices