31 Woodbine Business Park, Hewitsland, New Ross, Wexford,
31 Woodbine Business Park, Hewitsland, New Ross, Wexford,
Kilea Castle, a historic estate nestled in the picturesque countryside of County Clare, Ireland, is renowned for offering guests a luxurious experience in a setting steeped in history. As part of its commitment to sustainability, the castle management sought to transition to renewable energy to reduce its dependence on the national grid and decrease operational costs. EnergyServ was selected to design and install a solar PV system that would meet the castle’s energy demands while preserving its historic aesthetic.
Historic Preservation: Given the castle’s historical significance, it was imperative to install the solar PV system in a way that would not detract from the castle’s architectural heritage.
Energy Requirements: The castle has a substantial energy demand due to its size and the range of services offered, including heating, lighting, and modern amenities provided to guests.
Climate Considerations: Ireland’s often cloudy and rainy climate posed a challenge for maximizing solar energy generation, requiring highly efficient technology.
EnergyServ proposed and implemented a comprehensive solar PV system designed to meet Kilea Castle’s energy needs while addressing the unique challenges of the site.
Solar Panels: The system included 1,400 high-efficiency JA Solar panels, each rated at 565 Watts (model JAM72S30-565/LR), totaling 791 kW of solar power. These panels were selected for their superior performance in low-light conditions, critical for Ireland’s variable weather. The system is expected to generate approximately 768,906 kWh of electricity annually.
Inverter Setup: To convert the DC electricity generated by the solar panels into usable AC power, EnergyServ installed advanced inverters from SOLIS:
80 kW Inverter: A single SOLIS S5-GC80K inverter was used to manage a portion of the solar array, optimizing the energy conversion process.
500 kW Inverters: Additionally, two SOLIS-250K-EHV-5G inverters, each with a capacity of 250 kW, were installed to handle the larger portion of the system’s output, ensuring efficient energy conversion and reliability.
Mounting and Integration: The solar panels were installed using a custom mounting system designed to blend seamlessly with the castle’s architecture, preserving its historic look while ensuring the panels are securely and optimally positioned.
Grid Connection and Energy Storage: The system was connected to the national grid, allowing the castle to sell excess electricity produced back to the grid, further reducing energy costs. Additionally, energy storage options were evaluated for future phases to enhance energy independence.
Substantial Cost Savings: Since the installation, Kilea Castle has experienced a significant reduction in electricity costs, with the system generating approximately 768,906 kWh annually. This has resulted in an estimated annual savings of 70% on energy bills, with a projected return on investment within 5-6 years.
Environmental Impact: The solar PV system has substantially reduced Kilea Castle’s carbon footprint, cutting down CO2 emissions by around 200 tons per year, aligning with the castle’s sustainability objectives.
Guest Experience: The solar installation has been well received by guests, many of whom value the castle’s commitment to environmental stewardship. This has enhanced the property’s reputation as an eco-friendly luxury destination.
Energy Independence: The high efficiency and reliability of the SOLIS inverters, combined with the JA Solar panels, have significantly reduced the castle’s reliance on the grid, ensuring a steady and sustainable energy supply.
The installation of the 791 kW solar PV system at Kilea Castle by EnergyServ has been a landmark project, successfully blending modern renewable energy technology with historic preservation. The use of high-performance JA Solar panels and advanced SOLIS inverters has enabled the castle to achieve substantial energy savings and environmental benefits while maintaining its historical charm.
This project exemplifies how even the most historically significant buildings can embrace modern technology to support sustainability goals, proving that it is possible to achieve energy independence without compromising on heritage. Kilea Castle now stands as a beacon of sustainability, offering its guests not just luxury and history, but also a commitment to a greener future.
