Customer Success Story: Sopoco Completes 1.145 MWh Battery Storage System at AJW Group HQ
Sopoco, a renewables installer with a reputation for getting it right, has completed one of the UK’s largest-ever cabinet-style battery storage project with Sungrow batteries - a landmark moment for the business and a testament to the team's ability to deliver on complex, high-stakes installations.
Background
The project was carried out at AJW Group’s global headquarters in Slinfold, West Sussex, a world-leading integrator of aircraft component parts, repair, supply chain services, and AOG support. AJW Group already had a ~800kW rooftop PV system in place, installed several years prior. While the system was generating well, a portion of that energy was being exported to the grid for minimal return. Outside of generating hours, the site was also drawing heavily from the grid - meaning the client was effectively losing value at both ends. They wanted a smarter solution: one that kept more of their generated energy on-site and brought their overall electricity costs down.
Sopoco, a renewables installer with a reputation for getting it right, has completed one of the UK’s largest-ever cabinet-style battery storage project with Sungrow batteries - a landmark moment for the business and a testament to the team's ability to deliver on complex, high-stakes installations.
Background
The project was carried out at AJW Group’s global headquarters in Slinfold, West Sussex, a world-leading integrator of aircraft component parts, repair, supply chain services, and AOG support. AJW Group already had a ~800kW rooftop PV system in place, installed several years prior. While the system was generating well, a portion of that energy was being exported to the grid for minimal return. Outside of generating hours, the site was also drawing heavily from the grid - meaning the client was effectively losing value at both ends. They wanted a smarter solution: one that kept more of their generated energy on-site and brought their overall electricity costs down.
Orkestra Design Platform
To size the system correctly, Sopoco worked with Alternergy and Orkestra to analyse AJW's half-hourly energy data using the Orkestra design platform. Consumption figures and PV generation data provided by the client were uploaded into the platform, which modelled performance, projected ROI, and produced a clear, evidence-backed recommendation on system capacity. Orkestra is fast establishing itself as the go-to tool for commercial and industrial battery storage design - and this project is a strong example of why.
The System
To strengthen on-site energy resilience and maximise self-consumption, Sopoco installed a 1.145 MWh storage system comprised of:
- 5 Ă— Sungrow PowerStack ST225KWH 110KW 2H battery cabinets
- Atmosphere EMS for intelligent, site-wide energy management
The resulting system integrates directly with AJW's existing solar and inverter infrastructure, a hybrid setup that Sopoco handled with confidence from day one.
Flawless Delivery — Sopoco's Biggest Cabinet Installation to Date
Despite being Sopoco's first project at this scale, the installation was completed without issue.
Project team:
- Planning: David Cracknell, Sopoco
- Lead Installer: Russ Brown, Sopoco
- Install Team: Jess & Jimmy, Sopoco
- Commissioning Support: Sungrow
- Orkestra Design: Juan Ruiz/ Mark Gardiner
- EMS Setup: Atmosphere
- Design & Backend Support: Laura Piscitelli, Alternergy
"Thanks to Russ and the Sopoco team, the whole install went perfectly."
Alternergy's Role
Alternergy worked closely alongside Sopoco from the earliest stages through to final commissioning, covering:
- System design and capacity modelling
- Product supply and logistics coordination
- Technical guidance throughout
- Organising On-the-ground commissioning support
Alternergy handled a lot of the backend complexity of the project including multi-partner coordination without missing a beat.
"Alternergy were on hand at every stage, from planning to commissioning, ensuring Sopoco had everything they needed to deliver with confidence."
What This Means for Sopoco
This project showcases Sopoco’s capability in delivering advanced commercial scale energy storage, reinforcing their position as a skilled installer and developer of complex, renewable energy systems.
It also opens the door to:
- Larger Cabinet based storage installations
- More C&I solar storage projects
- Ongoing work with premium brands like Sungrow and Atmosphere
