You design bridges, write code And solve complex problems for a living. You don't need dumbed-down explanations
We Are Someone Who Speaks Your Language
You’ve sat through solar presentations where salespeople couldn’t explain the difference between AC and DC coupling.
You’ve asked about inverter efficiency curves and got blank stares.
You’ve requested technical specifications and been told “don’t worry about the technical stuff.”
You’re an engineer. Technical stuff is literally your job.
The Questions You’re Actually Asking
“What’s the inverter topology?” String inverter with DC optimisers, or distributed microinverter architecture?
“What’s the maximum power point tracking algorithm?” Perturb and observe, incremental conductance, or something more sophisticated?
“How does the system handle partial shading?” Module-level power electronics or string-level bypass diodes?
“What’s the DC/AC conversion efficiency?” Peak efficiency, CEC weighted efficiency, or European efficiency rating?
“How’s the thermal management designed?” Passive cooling, active cooling, or thermal derating algorithms?
These aren’t trick questions. They’re basic engineering considerations.
The Technical Reality of Solar Systems
System Architecture:
- String Inverters: Single point of failure, but highest efficiency and lowest cost
- Power Optimisers: Module-level MPPT with string-level inversion
- Microinverters: Distributed architecture, highest reliability, module-level monitoring
MPPT Algorithms:
- Perturb & Observe: Simple, effective for uniform irradiance
- Incremental Conductance: Better performance under varying conditions
- Advanced Algorithms: Some manufacturers use proprietary methods for faster tracking
Efficiency Considerations:
- Peak Efficiency: Maximum efficiency under ideal conditions (usually 96-98%)
- CEC Efficiency: Weighted average across operating range (more realistic)
- European Efficiency: Similar weighting but different test conditions
Real Performance Modelling
Irradiance Data: We use PVGIS data for your specific location, not generic regional averages.
Temperature Coefficients:
- Monocrystalline: typically -0.35 to -0.45%/°C
- Polycrystalline: typically -0.40 to -0.50%/°C
- Temperature impact varies significantly with installation method
Shading Analysis:
- Near shading: objects within 3x their height
- Far shading: horizon profile analysis
- Temporal shading: seasonal sun path variations
- We use actual solar pathfinder data, not software estimates
System Losses:
- DC wiring: 1-2%
- AC wiring: 1-2%
- Inverter conversion: 2-4%
- Soiling: 2-5% annually
- Module degradation: 0.5-0.8% annually
The Engineering Approach to System Design
Load Analysis: We analyse your actual consumption data, not industry averages.
Generation Modelling: Site-specific irradiance data combined with system-specific performance characteristics.
Economic Modelling: NPV analysis with realistic assumptions about electricity price inflation and system degradation.
Risk Assessment: Component failure rates, warranty terms, and manufacturer financial stability.
Component Selection Criteria
Solar Panels:
- Efficiency: Higher efficiency = smaller system footprint
- Temperature Coefficient: Critical for UK climate performance
- PID Resistance: Potential Induced Degradation can kill performance
- Manufacturer Tier: Tier 1 manufacturers have better financial stability
Inverters:
- Topology: String vs distributed architecture trade-offs
- Efficiency Curve: Performance across operating range
- Monitoring Capability: System-level vs module-level data
- Grid Compliance: G99 compliance for UK grid connection
Mounting Systems:
- Wind Load Calculations: BS EN 1991-1-4 compliance
- Structural Analysis: Roof load capacity assessment
- Thermal Expansion: Material compatibility and expansion joints
- Corrosion Resistance: Marine-grade materials for coastal installations
Grid Integration Considerations
G99 Compliance:
- Type testing requirements
- Loss of mains protection
- Voltage and frequency ride-through
- Power quality requirements
Export Limitation:
- Hard export limitation vs soft curtailment
- Dynamic export limitation with smart meters
- Three-phase balancing considerations
Earthing and Bonding:
- TN-C-S system considerations
- Equipotential bonding requirements
- Lightning protection integration
Battery Storage Engineering
Battery Chemistry:
- Lithium Iron Phosphate: Safer, longer cycle life, lower energy density
- Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt: Higher energy density, thermal management critical
- Round-trip Efficiency: Typically 85-95% depending on chemistry and BMS design
Battery Management Systems:
- Cell Balancing: Active vs passive balancing algorithms
- State of Charge Estimation: Coulomb counting vs voltage-based methods
- Thermal Management: Temperature monitoring and cooling strategies
- Safety Systems: Over-voltage, under-voltage, and thermal protection
System Integration:
- AC Coupling: Battery inverter separate from solar inverter
- DC Coupling: Shared inverter, higher efficiency but more complex
- Hybrid Systems: Integrated solar and battery inverters
Real Engineering Data
Performance Modelling Results (4kW system, South-facing, 35° tilt):
- Annual Generation: 3,650 kWh ±5%
- Capacity Factor: 10.4%
- Performance Ratio: 0.82 (including all system losses)
- Specific Yield: 912 kWh/kWp
Economic Analysis (25-year NPV):
- Initial Investment: £7,500
- Annual Generation Value: £1,100 (including export)
- NPV @ 3% Discount Rate: £12,400
- IRR: 11.2%
- Payback Period: 6.8 years
Reliability Analysis:
- Panel Failure Rate: 0.05% annually
- Inverter Failure Rate: 2-3% annually
- System Availability: >99% with proper maintenance
What We Actually Measure
Site Survey Data:
- Irradiance Measurements: Pyranometer readings at installation angle
- Shading Analysis: Solar pathfinder data for full year
- Structural Assessment: Load calculations per BS EN 1991-1-4
- Electrical Survey: Existing installation condition and capacity
Performance Monitoring:
- Generation Data: kWh production with timestamp
- Performance Ratio: Actual vs theoretical performance
- System Efficiency: DC to AC conversion losses
- Environmental Data: Irradiance and temperature correlation
The Technical Consultation Process
- Engineering Assessment Proper load analysis, shading study and structural evaluation by qualified engineers.
- System Modelling PVGIS-based performance modelling with site-specific parameters.
- Component Selection Technical justification for every component choice based on your requirements.
- Design Documentation Complete electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and performance calculations.
- Installation Supervision Engineering oversight during installation to ensure design compliance.
- Commissioning Full system testing and performance verification against design parameters.
Technical Documentation Available
- Component Datasheets: Full technical specifications for all components
- Performance Modelling: PVGIS-based calculations with assumptions clearly stated
- Electrical Schematics: Complete system drawings with component ratings
- Structural Calculations: Load analysis and mounting system specifications
- Commissioning Reports: Test results and performance verification data
Ready for a Proper Technical Discussion?
We’ll provide:
- Engineering-level consultation with qualified electrical engineers
- Detailed technical documentation for all components
- Performance modelling with realistic assumptions
- Complete system specifications and drawings
- Post-installation performance verification
No dumbed-down explanations. No marketing fluff. Just proper engineering.
Next step: See what your system could look like.