The Nottingham Wildcats

With a large open roof space on the sports arena, the Wildcats consulted with us on the most efficient way to install a solar PV system. A ‘free solar’ proposition through a power purchase agreement (PPA) was investigated and having met all of the investment criteria, a 133.65 kWp array seemed to fit their needs. However, the organisation’s lack of available funds required our team to help the client find a partner to finance the install.

OUR SOLUTION

As a not-for-profit organisation, the team would have been unable to finance the installation of solar PV panels themselves. Therefore, the PPA project, organised by Free Green Energy, provided the perfect solution, as they’re now able to balance the requirements of funding the new technology with investing in the local community.

The 486-panel array systems generates 109,192 kWh per annum saving the club around a third – or £2,000 to £3,000 per year – on its energy costs. The savings will be redirected into grassroots basketball initiatives within the local community, including training programmes in local primary schools who the Wildcats have a strong relationship with.

The array was completed by a three-man team in just under two weeks and will be fully maintained by our operations and maintenance team for the term of the PPA agreement. The PPA deal means that Nottingham Wildcats have a solar PV installation at zero cost, fully owned and operated by the funder, Free Green Energy. Electricity generated by the array is being sold back to the local sports club at a fixed rate than is cheaper than their current energy supplier and subject to inflation, better than the energy market.

THE RESULT

The organisation’s decision to ‘go green’ was based on our realisation that they could be using the arena’s large roof space to save money on their energy bills, just as other sports arenas had done, and invest it back into their local community.

The installation process was hassle free and a three-man team from our operations and maintenance department installed the panels in less than two weeks. ‘Going green’ is allowing them to improve the lifestyle of the local community, as well as protecting the environment – it’s a real win-win.

For us, participation in this project adds to our growing portfolio of local installs, which have supported ventures that enable the benefits of solar PV use, reduced bills and carbon emissions, without the upfront cost for the organisation. In this case, it’s good to know that the money saved on energy bills will be redirected to support sports participation amongst school children.