Proterra Energy has been working with Dingwall Mart for several years now.
Our initial engagement with them was to carry out a Feasibility Study to investigate the addition of roof mounted solar to offset electrical usage in the property.
That initial Feasibility highlighted a few surprises (for us and the Mart!).
They had a backup generator onsite for emergencies or for when there was a power cut. That had to be correctly integrated into the system, but before that we were asked to make sure the generator was given an up-to-date service and that key members of staff were given a refresher on how to use it. We now provide annual servicing and maintenance for the generator.
A call-out a few weeks later to their existing ground mounted solar identified some failed electrical componentry and a misbehaving inverter. This 10kW array was installed during the early days of FIT solar, and in a lot of ways was ahead of the curve, but was showing its age. The inverter was replaced and the system back up and running on all 3 phases.
We were also asked if we could have a look at their EV charger, which was not working correctly, and an electrical assessment identified a component failure internally. The company that had installed it, and were supposed to assist in operating it, were long gone. We replaced the charger and installed new back office software so the Client could manage it from their own offices. It’s still a technical challenge for some users, but Apps seem to be the way things are going now, from fridges to banking, and EV chargers too!
In assessing their main grid connection point, it became clear that some of the electrical installation work for the 50kW wind turbine up behind the Mart had not been fully completed. We were asked to provide support to conclude these.
And so, finally in 2025 we got round to putting the solar on the roof! It’s all in place now, and operating well. It required some discussion with SSEN over the existing grid connection, but with some good discussions and a practical approach, the connection for the solar was agreed. A 25kW array has been installed across two roof areas.
The next phase of our relationship with the Mart is replacing the panels and inverters on the GM array, and tying it all in together on a remote monitoring platform with the roof mounted system, to allow those in the office to keep an eye on production. Our team will be also be able to check in and alert them to any issues should they arise.
In a lot of ways, the guys and girls at the Mart were forging ahead, with early ground mounted solar, wind turbines and EV chargers; some of these are now over 10 years old. Taking that plunge at the time meant that many of the visitors to the Mart were able to take some small benefit of seeing how others had done it.
We are glad to have been able to help, but one thing is for sure… they took our strap line of “Renewable Energy Systems” literally!
They had a backup generator onsite for emergencies or for when there was a power cut. That had to be correctly integrated into the system, but before that we were asked to make sure the generator was given an up-to-date service and that key members of staff were given a refresher on how to use it. We now provide annual servicing and maintenance for the generator.
A call-out a few weeks later to their existing ground mounted solar identified some failed electrical componentry and a misbehaving inverter. This 10kW array was installed during the early days of FIT solar, and in a lot of ways was ahead of the curve, but was showing its age. The inverter was replaced and the system back up and running on all 3 phases.
We were also asked if we could have a look at their EV charger, which was not working correctly, and an electrical assessment identified a component failure internally. The company that had installed it, and were supposed to assist in operating it, were long gone. We replaced the charger and installed new back office software so the Client could manage it from their own offices. It’s still a technical challenge for some users, but Apps seem to be the way things are going now, from fridges to banking, and EV chargers too!
In assessing their main grid connection point, it became clear that some of the electrical installation work for the 50kW wind turbine up behind the Mart had not been fully completed. We were asked to provide support to conclude these.
And so, finally in 2025 we got round to putting the solar on the roof! It’s all in place now, and operating well. It required some discussion with SSEN over the existing grid connection, but with some good discussions and a practical approach, the connection for the solar was agreed. A 25kW array has been installed across two roof areas.
The next phase of our relationship with the Mart is replacing the panels and inverters on the GM array, and tying it all in together on a remote monitoring platform with the roof mounted system, to allow those in the office to keep an eye on production. Our team will be also be able to check in and alert them to any issues should they arise.
In a lot of ways, the guys and girls at the Mart were forging ahead, with early ground mounted solar, wind turbines and EV chargers; some of these are now over 10 years old. Taking that plunge at the time meant that many of the visitors to the Mart were able to take some small benefit of seeing how others had done it.
We are glad to have been able to help, but one thing is for sure… they took our strap line of “Renewable Energy Systems” literally!
Get in touch with Proterra Energy directly, or use the form below to request an email or call back and we’ll get in touch as soon as possible.
