Solar PV Installation at Tyne Tunnels
Project Overview: Solar Roof Install
DVC Commercial Roofing Contractors was appointed by TT2 Limited to deliver a comprehensive solar PV installation programme across three operational Tyne Tunnels buildings.
The project involved the design, coordination and installation of roof-mounted photovoltaic systems at the South Extract Building, Central Administration Building and Howdon Services Building, providing a combined generation capacity of approximately 134.55kWp.
Working as Principal Contractor, DVC Roofing managed the project from design and coordination through to installation and completion, working closely with TT2 Limited and Aberla Energy to deliver a renewable energy solution within a live transport infrastructure environment.
The Challenge
Delivering a commercial solar installation across operational transport infrastructure presented a number of technical, logistical and safety considerations.
The three buildings each presented their own requirements, meaning the solar PV systems needed to be carefully designed and coordinated around the existing structures, electrical infrastructure and operational requirements of the site.
DVC was responsible for coordinating multiple elements of the project, including:
- Roof-mounted photovoltaic system design
- Structural integration and specialist mounting systems
- Electrical design and installation
- DC containment
- Inverter installation
- LV connections
- Fire alarm integration
- Access arrangements
- Scaffolding and edge protection
- Material logistics
- Site welfare
- Health and safety management
A key consideration was ensuring that installation activities could be completed safely and efficiently while working within an environment where maintaining operational continuity was essential.
Early coordination between the project stakeholders was therefore critical to managing interfaces, identifying potential constraints and maintaining programme progress.
Our Approach
Design and Planning
DVC undertook the design and coordination required to integrate the proposed photovoltaic systems with the individual building structures.
The project incorporated Tier 1 DMEGC 585W solar modules, Solis inverters and specialist mounting systems, selected to suit the requirements of each building.
The South Extract Building was designed to accommodate a 60.63kWp system, with an estimated annual generation of approximately 48.28MWh.
Additional systems were subsequently installed at the Central Administration Building and Howdon Services Building, increasing the overall renewable energy generation available across the three facilities.
Safe Delivery Within an Operational Environment
Working at operational infrastructure sites requires more than simply installing equipment. DVC coordinated the access, temporary works and site logistics required to safely deliver the installation, including scaffolding, edge protection, material movements and welfare arrangements.
As Principal Contractor, DVC also managed the project’s health and safety requirements in accordance with the CDM Regulations 2015, coordinating activities between the various parties involved in the works.
Regular communication with TT2 Limited helped ensure that installation activities were planned around operational requirements and that potential issues could be identified and addressed throughout the programme.
Solar PV Installation
The completed systems provide a combined generation capacity of approximately 134.55kWp across the three buildings.
The installation included:
- DMEGC 585W photovoltaic modules
- Solis inverters
- Specialist rooftop mounting systems
- DC containment
- LV electrical connections
- Electrical integration
- Fire alarm integration
- Associated roof and access works
The resulting roof-mounted solar PV systems provide TT2 Limited with a long-term renewable energy asset, helping to reduce reliance on grid electricity while supporting the organisation’s wider sustainability objectives.
Across the three buildings, the systems are capable of generating more than 115MWh of electricity annually, providing a measurable contribution towards energy cost reduction and carbon reduction.
Working With TT2 Limited
Successful delivery of a project within critical transport infrastructure depends on effective communication and stakeholder coordination.
Throughout the works, DVC maintained regular communication with TT2 Limited, ensuring that programme requirements, access arrangements, safety considerations and operational constraints were understood and managed.
The project also demonstrated the value of collaboration between DVC Roofing, TT2 Limited and Aberla Energy, with the different project teams working together to coordinate the technical and operational requirements of the installation.
This collaborative approach helped DVC deliver the works efficiently while maintaining the standards expected within a live infrastructure environment.
The installation provides TT2 Limited with a long-term renewable energy solution that can contribute towards reduced grid electricity consumption, lower energy costs and ongoing carbon reduction objectives.
The solar panels are also supported by extensive manufacturer warranties, including 30-year panel performance warranties and 25-year product warranties, providing long-term reassurance around system performance.
Lessons Learnt
One of the key lessons from the project was the importance of early stakeholder engagement and electrical infrastructure assessment.
Verifying available LV connections and distribution capacity at an early stage helped DVC identify potential constraints before installation activities commenced. This helped streamline the programme and reduce the risk associated with electrical interfaces.
The project also strengthened DVC’s experience in delivering renewable energy installations within operational infrastructure environments.
Lessons from the project have been incorporated into DVC’s approach to future solar PV projects, particularly around:
- Electrical interface coordination
- LV connection requirements
- Fire alarm integration
- Rooftop logistics
- Access and edge protection
- Stakeholder communication
- Working safely around operational facilities
A Sustainable Roofing Solution
The Tyne Tunnels project demonstrates how existing commercial and operational buildings can be utilised to support renewable energy generation without compromising the day-to-day requirements of the facilities.
By combining roofing expertise, electrical coordination, project management and renewable energy capability, DVC delivered a commercial solar PV installation designed around the specific requirements of each building.
The project provides TT2 Limited with a long-term renewable energy solution while contributing towards reduced energy consumption from the grid and wider sustainability goals.
For DVC, the project further demonstrates our capability to deliver technically complex roof-mounted solar PV systems across operational infrastructure and commercial properties.
Looking for a Commercial Solar PV Installation?
DVC Roofing & Building Ltd provides specialist roofing and building solutions for commercial and operational properties across the North East.
Our experience encompasses complex projects involving roof-mounted systems, commercial buildings, electrical coordination, access requirements and live operational environments.
If you are considering a solar PV installation for a commercial or industrial building, our team can help assess your existing roof, coordinate the technical requirements and develop a solution around your building and operational needs.
Contact DVC Roofing Commercial Roofing to discuss your project.
