Challenge
After successfully installing 1.5MWp and 2.1MWp PV systems at the major food retailer’s regional distribution sites in Cardiff and Bolton, we were awarded work for a new project through a competitive tender to install 2MWp at their large site located in Derbyshire.
The retailer is committed to reducing their carbon emissions across their property portfolio, which includes their head office, regional distribution centre’s and stores. The project sought to continue the company’s progress towards achieving their environmental goals, and save money on their electricity bills.
Our Solution
From the initial stages, the project was designed with creative solutions, which made use of our team’s expert design skills. These were required to solve the main challenges presented by the site’s location and other external factors. As the distribution centre is located in close proximity to East Midlands Airport, a detailed Glint and Glare assessment was required to be carried out before the project could be installed, which involved a third-party consultant and correspondence with East Midlands Airport.
The project was initially refused grid connection due to its size and location but our experienced team were able to successfully liaise with the local DNO and the National Grid to enable connection of the full system. Additionally, we installed a state-of-the art laser bird deterrent to discourage them from settling on the array and potentially soiling the panels.
The Result
Now installed and fully operational, the 7,406 Trina 270w panelled system is expected to generate 1,727,00kWh per annum. The building has since been awarded BREEAM excellence, which measures commercial buildings on a range of sustainable values such as energy usage and pollution, and adds to the food retailer’s extensive portfolio of high calibre buildings.
The energy generated will power their large cold stores and fuel other daily operations well into the future, and brings the site more in line with their environmental commitments. This will help to save the company money in electricity expenditure, whilst simultaneously benefiting the wider community through the reduction of CO2 pollution into the atmosphere.