17.6kWp Grid-Tied PV, Uganda Virus Research Institute

The Uganda Virus Research Institute required a grid-tied solar installation to carry daytime load on its Biomedical and Pharmacy buildings, reducing dependence on utility supply for a research campus that cannot tolerate interruption to laboratory and cold-chain equipment.

Matrix was engaged to survey the existing supply, size the array against the measured load profile of both buildings, and deliver a system that synchronises with the incoming mains without altering the buildings’ existing distribution arrangement.

A 17.6kWp array was specified across the available roof planes of the two buildings, feeding a 20kVA Fronius three-phase inverter selected for headroom above the array rating and for its compatibility with the campus three-phase supply.

Structural mounting, cable routing, protection and earthing were detailed to standard, with the inverter positioned for service access and monitoring. Single-line diagrams and a bill of quantities were issued for client approval before procurement.

The Biomedical and Pharmacy buildings now draw daytime load from the array, with the Fronius inverter synchronising to the incoming supply and passing surplus to the building distribution. Laboratory and cold-chain equipment continue on utility supply without switching, and the installation was handed over with test certificates and a maintenance schedule.