Sailsbury, Wiltshire.

PUSHING PERFORMANCE at CODFORD

Back to Solar and Battery

Next Case Study

Power in Numbers

18200

kW DC Capacity

33000

Moduels

281668.09

Trees Planted Equivalent

6196.7

Tonnes in Carbon Reduction

Overview

2022

System Details

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

This project encompassed civil, mechanical, and electrical installation, sub-contracting management, and commissioning. It is a key 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

18.2 MW Codford Solar Farm in Wiltshire: Centrica’s first major solar asset
33,000 panels installed
6196.7 Tonnes in CO₂ savings
19 GWh of green electricity expected annually

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 2022 and was energised in November, following a six-month delay caused by a TX unit hold-up, though key milestone dates remained unaffected. The selection and use of premium quality products and installation methods ensured maximum generation for its 40-year life.

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) substation 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

Codford Solar Farm has demonstrated exceptional performance, exceeding initial expectations in several key metrics. A detailed comparison revealed that the system’s actual performance exceeded by over 6%.

Resilience testing was highlighted as the site endured several significant storms, including Storm Agnes, Storm Bert, and Storm Darragh, without any structural compromise or loss of efficiency. These events highlight the robustness of the installation and adherence to Push Power stringent quality assurance standards.

The project’s impact is further strengthened by its biodiversity benefits, contributing to ecological net gain through positive land management practices, including wildflower establishment.

Financial Review

As part of the Codford Solar Farm's long-term impact, Centrica secured a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) which will secure 50% of the site’s output over the next decade. This collaboration supports their clients sustainability goals, including reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.

In 2021, they achieved the milestone of powering its UK operations entirely with renewable energy. Codford Solar Farm plays a crucial role in helping them meet their environmental objectives.
Push Power’s role was to install the solar farm, ensuring the delivery of a reliable, efficient renewable energy solution that supports these corporate sustainability efforts.