ASH Integrated Services recently completed a significant solar energy project at The Manchester College’s Harpurhey Campus.
The project involved removing 220 old solar panels and installing 156 new Solar PV panels, including rewiring and necessary upgrades.
This initiative allowed ASH to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint of educational institutions.
The Manchester College, with a history dating back almost 200 years, has been a cornerstone of Manchester’s educational landscape.
Harpurhey College, part of this prestigious institution, includes Harpurhey Baths, a Grade II listed building transformed into an award-winning exhibition space for students and the community.
In 2021, to further enhance its sustainability efforts, the college embarked on a series of upgrades, including the installation of 156 Solar PV panels to reduce its carbon footprint.
Multi-award-winning ASH Integrated Services secured this project through a competitive tender process conducted by The Manchester College’s consultants.
Read the full case study here
ASH carried out the design, supply, and installation of the 156 Solar PV panels, demonstrating their capability to offer a comprehensive electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and renewable energy solution.
This integrated approach simplifies project management for clients by providing a single point of contact. It also includes dedicated supervisors for each contract.
The project at Harpurhey College included the design, installation, and verification of the full PV array on the college roof. It also involved testing and commissioning the system.
This involved utilising previously installed fixings and installing 156 JA Solar JAM72S20-460/MR panels, which were fed via 2 Solis 110K 5G-Pro inverters and 1 S5-GR3P20K inverter.
These were installed on the roof and connected to the existing PV control panel in the roof plant room.
Testing and commissioning were meticulously carried out in accordance with the latest 18th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations.
The ASH team thoroughly tested all systems before project completion. They also demonstrated these systems to the client and their representatives.
The final handover included all necessary certification and technical documentation, which were reviewed and approved by the client’s consultant.
Despite the tight schedule, ASH delivered the project on budget without the need for any return visits. This achievement not only highlights their efficiency but also their dedication to providing cost-effective solutions.
Client Feedback
Dan Godwin, Chief Engineer at The Manchester College, praised ASH for its ability to reuse existing roof fixings and the PV control panel. This kept costs competitive and ensured the project was completed within the three-week period.
He commended the ASH team, led by Electrical Manager Lee Corbally, for keeping noise levels to a minimum. This was especially important as the building remained fully occupied by students during the work.
Lee Corbally highlighted the importance of thorough planning, stating,
“It is not always easy to deliver a replacement project within budget while trying to utilise existing fixing and equipment to keep costs down.
I’m glad we did our homework prior to the start of the project as this allowed us to deliver the project in 3 weeks. As per the Benjamin Franklin quote – If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”
