Summary
Arnold Clark embarked on a significant expansion of its on-site renewable energy strategy, moving beyond small legacy solar arrays to deliver large-scale solar PV installations across its estate.
Through a competitive tender process, EvoEnergy was appointed to design and deliver a multi-site solar programme, with 13 installations totalling over 3.1 MWp completed, and 7+ more sites totalling 1.8MWp due in 2026.
The programme was structured to maximise on-site energy use, reduce operational energy costs, and support Arnold Clark’s wider carbon reduction objectives, with further sites already planned for the next phase.
Challenge
Arnold Clark’s primary objective was to meaningfully offset rising energy costs and reduce carbon emissions across its dealership portfolio, while ensuring that each system delivered strong commercial returns through high levels of self-consumption and strict KPI targets.
Although the client’s sustainability team had a clear strategic vision, they required expert technical guidance to translate this ambition into a deliverable, compliant, and financially viable programme of works.
The project was awarded through a competitive tender process and included several bespoke requirements, including the design of custom PV distribution boards and support for a novel battery supplier whose product required significant technical input and guidance for entrance into the UK high frequency markets for grid services.
Cyber security was also a critical consideration, with strict controls preventing any direct internet connection to the client’s network, requiring all monitoring and communications to be delivered via isolated 4G systems.
Delivery timescales were highly constrained, with multiple projects running concurrently and sequentially over a seven-month period to ensure completion before the client’s year end.
The programme also involved third-party consultants and had to comply with strict personnel and site management requirements, including SMSTS-qualified site supervision.
For Arnold Clark, this represented a step change in system scale and complexity compared to previous installations, particularly in relation to battery integration and infrastructure upgrades.
Solution
EvoEnergy delivered a full turnkey solution, managing the programme from initial feasibility through to installation and ongoing operations and maintenance. This included comprehensive optioneering, desktop studies, financial feasibility modelling, technical due diligence, and full design development.
EvoEnergy secured all required surveys and approvals, including structural assessments, DNO engagement, planning considerations, and civils surveys, ensuring each site was technically and commercially viable before construction commenced.
The delivery phase required a flexible and highly coordinated approach. EvoEnergy adapted designs in response to changing insurer requirements, asbestos survey findings, and evolving client scope, while maintaining tight control of project costs and return-on-investment targets.
At certain locations, including the client’s GTG site, works were scheduled during weekends and night-time periods to avoid disruption during exams, and infrastructure upgrades were delivered where necessary to support system integration, notably at the Nottingham Motorstore.
Standardised monitoring platforms were implemented to provide clear performance visibility, and the programme was fully funded through Arnold Clark’s sustainability CapEx budget.
EvoEnergy’s ability to manage complexity, support an inexperienced technology supplier, and maintain programme momentum across multiple live, customer-facing sites was central to the project’s success.
Results
The solar PV programme has already delivered measurable benefits, with Arnold Clark reporting considerable reductions in energy bills and high levels of on-site energy consumption across the installed sites.
All installations were completed on time and in line with strict programme milestones, despite the scale and pace of delivery.
Following the success of the initial phase, Arnold Clark is now progressing plans to extend the programme to up to ten additional sites within the current financial year, demonstrating confidence in both the technical performance and commercial value of the systems delivered.
EvoEnergy continues to support the portfolio through ongoing operations and maintenance, positioning the project as a long-term partnership rather than a one-off installation, with clear potential for further expansion across the client’s estate.