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Powering a Smarter Commercial Site in Welwyn Garden City - A Sunsynk Case Study


For many commercial buildings, rising energy costs and volatile peak-time tariffs are exposing the limits of “solar-only” thinking. Panels alone don’t solve the problem, and so many are turning to intelligent integration. This installation in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire is a clear example of how generation, storage, and control can be brought together to deliver real-world commercial value.


Delivered by Marcoe Renewables, this project combines high-efficiency solar PV with scalable battery storage to create a future-ready energy system for a 5,500 sq ft mixed-use office and warehouse facility. Installed and commissioned in November 2025, the system was designed not just to generate power, but to actively manage it, reducing grid dependency while leaving room to grow.


Designing a system around business needs


This isn’t a static load profile. Office spaces, storage areas, and workshops all draw power throughout the working day, creating fluctuating demand that needs a flexible solution. From the outset, the objectives were clear: cut reliance on the grid during peak hours, reduce exposure to unpredictable tariffs, and make maximum use of on-site generation without locking themselves into a rigid or oversized system. Marcoe calculated a 49.75 kWp solar PV system, installed using 107 Aiko Neostar 465 W modules. These panels were chosen for their strong efficiency and dependable performance in variable UK conditions, helping to maximise yield even during shorter winter days.


At the core of the system is a Sunsynk 50 kW three-phase hybrid inverter, paired with a 40 kW Sunsynk G40 high-voltage battery system. The inverter capacity was deliberately matched to the array size, ensuring efficient energy conversion while providing sufficient throughput to handle the site’s daytime loads. For commercial applications, the high-voltage battery platform offers a clear advantage: scalable capacity, reduced losses, and seamless integration with three-phase supplies.



Providing more than solar


Rather than exporting excess generation or relying on fixed operating schedules, the system has been configured to actively manage energy flows. Solar power is prioritised for on-site consumption, while surplus generation (or lower-cost off-peak electricity) is stored and later discharged during periods of higher demand and peak tariffs. This strategy provides meaningful control over energy costs, reduces reliance on the grid at critical times, and improves overall system efficiency. Crucially, everything is brought together through the Sunsynk Connect app, providing clear, real-time insight into generation, consumption, and battery behaviour.


This visibility has already changed how energy is viewed on site. Staff are actively engaging with system data, reviewing performance, and identifying opportunities for further optimisation, turning energy from a fixed overhead into something measurable, understandable, and improvable.


Future proofing the site


As with any commercial installation, site infrastructure played a key role in system design. To safely accommodate the new equipment, upgrades were required to the main incoming electrical supply, including upgraded mains fuses and the installation of a six-way panel board. Rather than treating this as a box-ticking exercise, Marcoe designed the upgrade with the future in mind. Spare capacity has been built in to support future EV charger installations, ensuring the site can continue to evolve without costly or disruptive electrical reworks down the line.



Delivering Results In Real Conditions


November is rarely an easy month for solar in the UK, yet despite poor weather conditions, the system has already delivered over 1 megawatt-hour of clean, renewable energy in its first month of operation.


That early performance has reinforced confidence in the system design and highlighted the value of combining solar with battery storage. The battery rack has been installed with space for an additional 20 kW of capacity, allowing performance data to be reviewed over time before deciding whether to expand storage. This is a practical example of how scalable design supports better long-term decision-making.



Why Marcoe Renewables Chose Sunsynk


With more than 60 years of heritage in electrical engineering, Marcoe Engineering, a division of the Marcoe Group of companies, approaches equipment selection with a focus on quality, reliability, and long-term value. For this flagship renewable project, the team conducted extensive research across leading manufacturers before selecting Sunsynk. Sunsynk’s three-phase hybrid platform, scalable high-voltage battery systems, and commercial-grade monitoring tools made it particularly well suited to the project’s requirements. Educational resources also played a key role in helping the team fully understand the system architecture, enabling confident design and installation choices.


This first Sunsynk installation now serves as a reference point for Marcoe Renewables as they expand their renewable energy portfolio.



A Practical Example of Future-Ready Commercial Energy


This Welwyn Garden City installation shows what’s possible when solar PV, battery storage, and intelligent energy management are designed as a single system rather than separate components. The result is a commercial energy solution that reduces costs today while remaining flexible enough to adapt to tomorrow’s demands.

With expansion-ready battery storage, provision for EV charging, and full system visibility from day one, the site is well positioned for a more resilient, lower-carbon energy future powered by Sunsynk.



Learn more about the Sunsynk products featured in this project:


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Interested in bringing Sunsynk technology to your next project? For residential, commercial or off-grid installations, contact our sales team: Sales@Sunsynk.com


If you’re an installer or Sunsynk user and would like to feature your project, please get in touch with Megan.Giles@Sunsynk.com.



 
 
 

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