System includes 1,000 Canadian Solar modules and 16 SolarMax inverters

SunGift Solar has completed the installation of the Met Office's 250 kWp solar PV array ahead of schedule.

The 1,000-module array is already generating around 1,000 kWhs of electricity per day – enough to meet the demand of one of the organisation's three supercomputers.

"The Met Office is the home of very powerful supercomputers," said SunGift Solar business development manager Gareth Walton. "These remarkable machines are used to carry out research into climate change, so there's enormous satisfaction in knowing it is now being powered by renewable energy that we have installed. It's also rewarding to have completed such a complex job ahead of schedule, with no major issues, and to such a high standard."

"In the past 12 months we've increasingly been commissioned to carry out larger commercial projects," added Gareth, "and this high-profile project proves once again that our work can meet the expectations of even the most highly-respected organisations."

Although SunGift's team of installers took just five days to install the Canadian Solar modules, the whole installation took about six weeks, but was delivered one and a half weeks ahead of schedule.

In all, the system includes:
1,000 x Canadian Solar CS6P 250M 250Wp modules
14 x Sputnik Engineering SolarMax 15MT2 inverters and 2 x Sputnik Engineering SolarMax 10MT2 inverters
More than 5.5km of cable
More than 2km of K2 aluminium mounting rail

Dave Alderson, Project Manager at the Met Office, said: "Working with SunGift Solar has been a pleasure. The level of craftsmanship in fitting the solar array has been exceptional. Their commitment to this project has ensured that the solar PV has been installed ahead of schedule and is now providing the Met Office with electricity."

John R. Lambert, supervising engineer at G4S Integrated Services, which manages and maintains the Met Office's facilities, said: "The entire team at SunGift Solar were a pleasure to have on site. The way they conducted themselves on site is a credit to the company. They were always punctual, polite, well presented and always worked safely on site, taking instruction well. But above all they were so enthusiastic about the project and SunGift as a company. It makes such a refreshing change to be able to make positive comment."

Viewable footage of the installation
During the installation, SunGift Solar recorded the developments with a time-lapse camera, from the introduction of the initial roof works and hand rails to the completion of the 1,000th panel. This can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuYpYukji2U&feature=plcp.

About SunGift Solar
SunGift Solar is a renewable energy specialist that offers a personal design service and tailored systems to meet its customers' exact requirements. It fits a whole range of renewable energy technologies – from solar panels and heat pumps to biomass boilers and small wind turbines.

Formed in 2005 by owner Gabriel Wondrausch, the friendly Exeter-based company employs 46 members of staff, and was one of the first installers in Devon to be accredited to the government's Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). SunGift Solar is acclaimed by the industry, winning the 2011 and 2009 South West Green Energy Award for Renewable Energy Installer or Supplier of the Year, and finishing runner up in the same category in 2010.

Using the highest-quality systems is an important part of SunGift Solar's philosophy, and it constantly strives to use the latest, cutting-edge equipment, combined with the highest standards of workmanship.

For further information contact SunGift Solar on 01392 213912, or visit www.sungiftsolar.co.uk.