Townsend Farm: Overcoming Grid Constraints with DC-Coupled Solar & Battery Storage

Initially, the DNO restriction meant Townsend Farm was considering whether its available 50kW connection capacity should be used for additional solar or battery storage. Choosing one would have limited the site's ability to expand its overall renewable energy system. The challenge was therefore to find an architecture that could accommodate both technologies while remaining compliant with the agreed grid connection. The solution needed to increase solar generation, introduce substantial storage capacity and make efficient use of the limited AC connection available.

• Battery sizing and financial analysis
• Supplying the AlphaESS G3-H50
• Supplying a 120.5kWh DC Extension Cabinet
• Technical support around the DC-coupled system architecture
• Rather than connecting the new solar and battery through separate AC inverters, the new 75kWp solar array was DC-coupled directly into the G3-H50, allowing both technologies to share the same 50kW inverter.

Products

• AlphaESS G3-H50 – 50kW / 120.5kWh
• 120.5kWh DC Extension Cabinet
• Total battery capacity: 50kW / 241kWh

Services

• Battery sizing and financial analysis
• Engineering and technical support
• System integration guidance

The completed system builds on Townsend Farm's existing 150kWp solar installation with a further 75kWp of new solar PV and 241kWh of battery storage. All 75kWp of the new solar is DC-coupled directly into the G3-H50, taking advantage of the system's 150% DC-coupling capability. Solar and battery storage therefore share the G3-H50's 50kW inverter rather than requiring separate AC-connected capacity. This enabled Flex Eco Services to incorporate both technologies while keeping the additional AC connection within the 50kW limit agreed with the DNO.

• The DC-coupled architecture enabled Townsend Farm to expand both its renewable generation and energy storage despite a restricted grid connection
• 75kWp of additional solar PV installed
• 75kWp fully DC-coupled into the G3-H50
• 50kW / 241kWh of battery storage added
• Solar and BESS delivered within the site's additional 50kW AC connection limit
• Existing 150kWp solar installation expanded to 225kWp total PV capacity
• Greater potential to maximise on-site renewable energy use

• Townsend Farm demonstrates how the right battery architecture can help overcome grid constraints that might otherwise restrict renewable energy expansion.
• By supporting Flex Eco Services with system sizing, product supply and technical expertise, Immersa helped enable both additional solar and battery storage where the available AC capacity initially appeared to require a choice between the two.
• The project provides a strong example for installers working with grid-constrained commercial and agricultural sites, showing how the AlphaESS G3-H50's DC-coupling capability can unlock additional renewable capacity while maintaining DNO compliance.