CASE STUDY
Client:
Trydan Will Davey Electrical Ltd
Location:
National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth
Project:
Ground screw foundations and RADIX SolarMount 1inP installation
Install Team:
No More Digging Wales
The National Library of Wales was developing a large ground-mounted solar PV array as part of its renewable energy strategy. However, the proposed installation site already contained a ground source heat pump (GSHP) borehole field beneath the surface, creating significant constraints for the foundation design and installation.
The challenge was to install a robust foundation system that avoided the existing underground infrastructure while still meeting the structural and wind loading requirements of a large commercial solar array. Careful planning was also required to coordinate material deliveries, vehicle movements and installation activities within an operational public site, ensuring minimal disruption to staff, visitors and surrounding access routes.
Working alongside the project team, No More Digging Wales developed a bespoke ground screw foundation solution designed around the existing GSHP infrastructure. A RADIX SolarMount ZM310 1inP system was selected, enabling the use of smaller ground screws while still achieving the required wind loading performance for the completed array.
The installation supports a total of 827 solar panels, using 734 RADIX ground screws comprising 367 × 76 mm × 1250 mm screws and 367 × 76 mm × 1050 mm screws. By designing the layout around the existing borehole field, the team was able to reduce excavation and minimise the impact of the foundations without compromising structural performance.
Due to the sensitive nature of the site, logistics formed a key part of the project. Deliveries were carefully coordinated through planned traffic management routes, while material storage, vehicle movements and installation activities were sequenced to suit the available working areas and maintain safe access throughout the programme.
The completed installation provides a durable, low-impact foundation solution for a major public-sector renewable energy project. By eliminating the need for traditional concrete foundations and working around existing underground infrastructure, No More Digging Wales delivered a solution that reduced ground disturbance, maintained the required engineering performance and supported the National Library of Wales’ investment in sustainable energy generation.
