Feasibility Study

Detailed planning is essential for ensuring the feasibility of a project. By carefully assessing aspects such as grid connection, power output, and the impact on local ecosystems, we can ensure that the project operates efficiently. This thorough approach not only helps achieve the desired energy output but also enhances reliability, contributing to a sustainable future.

Assessment of resource availability: Whether it is a commercial project or a small residential property, it is extremely important to assess whether the proposed technology can be effectively implemented in the chosen location. Evaluating the availability and consistency of renewable energy sources (eg. solar radiation, wind speed) at the project site to ensure energy generation. There is no point putting solar panels on a shaded roof or a wind turbine in a dip where there is no wind. During an initial check expensive mistakes can be be avoided right at the beginning.

Site Suitability: The next point on the check list would be to make sure that the site is suitable for the project, building a solar farm on a flood plain is probably not the best idea. Analysing the geographical and environmental conditions on site to determine its suitability for a specific type of renewable energy project is vital to avoid a disaster later into the project.

Technical Feasibility: Reviewing the technical aspects of the project, including the design, technology selection, and engineering plans, to ensure they meet industry standards and they are capable of achieving the desired performance.

Grid Integration: Evaluating the potential for integrating the renewable energy system with the existing power grid is very important. It is not necessarily a given that your planned project power output will be accepted by the local District Network Operator, known as the DNO. There may also be costs and technical challenges associated with the interconnection, these costs can be very expensive and can take time to implement. This can mean new meters may have to be installed, a local transformer upgraded down to a new sub station having to be built if the planned project is a largescale project.

Regulatory Compliance: It is utmost important that the planned project complies with all the relevant local and national regulations and standards, this includes obtaining the necessary permits and approvals. The local District Network Operators are usually very helpful but will not take it kindly if they are not involved with your planning. Anything above 3.6kW requires an application and the authority to connect to the Grid. They will ask you to turn off the system if they find they have not be informed and have not given their go-ahead to connect.

Risk mitigation: It is important to identify and mitigate potential technical risks that could affect the projects performance, reliability and safety. This also includes assessing the durability and maintenance requirements of the chosen technology. Materials and equipment should be of a high standard and comply to all UK standards,

Economic Viability: Conducting a thorough cost analysis determines the project's financial feasibility, including capital expenditure, operational costs and potential return on investment. We look into the possibility that there maybe some funding available to help with the cost of your development. For example in the West of England , there is a Green Business Grant available, if you are eligible, there could be up to £15000 available for your project. More info here.

Environmental Impact: Wanting to have green energy should not come at a cost to the surrounding nature and ecosystems. Larger scale projects should carry out a full survey on how the project will affect the local eco-landscape and what impact is the installation going to have or even be a benefit to the local wildlife. In the case of wind turbines, what noise pollution is the installation going to have on the local wild life or local residents. In the case of smaller projects, the impact shall still be taken into count, any disruption to the eco surroundings shall be minimised or mitigated. It is also important that the time line of the installation is planned so not to coincide with bird nesting, reptile migration etc.

Operational Readiness: Ensuring that all technical and logistical aspects are in place for the project to operate efficiently once commissioned.

Stakeholder Assurance: The last important is to re-assure the investors, stakeholders and regulatory bodies that the project is technically sound and has a likelihood of success.

Planning & Design

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