MSO Marine

MSO Marine case study

Overview

MSO Marine is a historic boatyard situated at the junction of the Grand Union Canal and the River Thames in Brentford, West London. While it retains its traditional heritage, the boatyard has evolved into a modern hub for boat building and outfitting, combining age-old craftsmanship with advanced technologies such as CNC plasma cutting.

This blend of traditional and modern practices results in significant energy demands across the site, particularly from cutting machinery, welding equipment, and other high-consumption tools. Seeking a greener, more cost-effective source of electricity, MSO Marine approached us to survey the site and explore renewable energy solutions.

Following a detailed assessment, solar PV emerged as the most practical and impactful renewable technology for the location, with battery storage recommended to maximise the benefits of on-site generation.

Project Objectives

• Reduce the site’s reliance on grid electricity.

• Offset energy costs by generating clean power on-site.

• Provide energy storage to enhance self-consumption and improve energy resilience.

• Deliver bespoke solutions for unique challenges, including installation on a barge and mitigating flood risks.

Technical Specifications

Workshop Installation

• System Size: 8.85 kWp

• Projected Annual Generation: 2,602 kWh

• Solar Panels: 14 × JA Solar 505 W + 4 × JA Solar 445 W

• Mounting System: TRIC TR Fix (for trapezoidal roofs)

• Inverter: SolarEdge 8 kW PV inverter with S500 optimisers

Barge Installation

• System Size: 21.36 kWp

• Projected Annual Generation: 17,569 kWh

• Solar Panels: 48 × JA Solar 445 W

• Mounting System: TRIC F Duo flat-roof (bespoke fixed configuration)

• Inverters: Temporary Solis 30 kW inverter, later replaced with GoodWe ET-50 hybrid inverter

• Battery Storage: GoodWe BAT112, 102.4 kWh capacity

Installation Process

Phase 1: Workshop & Barge PV Systems
The project began with solar PV installations on the workshop roof and a large on-site barge, which serves as a permanent fixture at the boatyard.

For the workshop, the presence of multiple roof faces and partial shading made SolarEdge technology the optimal choice. The SolarEdge S500 optimisers ensure each panel operates at maximum efficiency, while the TRIC TR Fix mounting system provided a secure, reliable solution for the trapezoidal roof.

The barge installation required a bespoke approach. The TRIC F Duo flat-roof system was deployed in an east–west configuration to maximise solar capture throughout the day. Typically a ballasted system, it was instead mechanically fixed to reduce loading on the barge’s structure.
MSO Marine’s own skilled boatbuilding and welding teams installed the fixing points under guidance from our technical design team. Plastic surrounds were added to protect the structure and provide additional support. Achieving a level surface was critical due to the barge’s curved roof, ensuring precise alignment of the solar panels.

Phase 2: Battery Integration
While awaiting delivery of the GoodWe BAT112 battery, a temporary inverter was installed to bring the solar array online as quickly as possible.

Once on site, the 102.4 kWh GoodWe BAT112 was craned into position and mounted on a specially engineered steel plinth. This bespoke platform elevates the battery above areas at risk of flooding, a common winter challenge due to the rising Thames.

The battery is paired with a GoodWe ET-50 hybrid inverter, selected for its higher charge and discharge capacity, which allows efficient use of the battery’s full potential. The BAT112’s ability to discharge at 1.1C ensures it can comfortably supply the site’s base load while also providing peak shaving during periods of higher demand.

Learn more, and see our case study video here: GoodWe BAT112.

System Benefits

• Energy Independence: The battery captures excess solar energy generated on the barge and from the workshop system, increasing the site’s self-consumption.

• Peak Shaving & Tariff Optimisation: The system is currently configured to charge only from surplus solar, but future plans include charging from the grid during off-peak periods to further reduce costs.

• Resilience & Sustainability: The bespoke flood-protection solution safeguards the battery, while the overall system significantly reduces the site’s reliance on fossil-fuelled grid electricity.

Results

The combination of rooftop solar PV and a high-capacity battery system has delivered a modern, sustainable energy solution tailored to the unique challenges of MSO Marine’s historic boatyard. By embracing renewable energy, MSO Marine has reduced operational costs and enhanced its commitment to environmental stewardship, without compromising the site’s heritage or functionality.