Challenge
MWW approached us to install a solar PV system on top of their national headquarters in Birmingham to save on energy bills, provide a more predictable source of energy and reduce their carbon emissions.
A key challenge for MWW was to ensure that business interruption be kept to a minimum. This is because fruit and vegetables arrive 24/7 at their busy logistics centre. Keeping the site operational was the only way to secure the cool conditions which were required for maintaining the product’s integrity.
Our Solution
Our technical and operations team worked hard to establish the most effective manner to install the system. In order to minimize disruption for our client, the installation team was only able to reach the rooftop using a single lorry parking slot in the delivery bay. This required careful planning to maintain safety requirements.
In order to guarantee operational continuity, several suitable connection points on the LV circuits were identified to avoid shutdown of the refrigeration at any point.
As standard, the system was designed with future ease of access in mind. Therefore, inverters were located externally so that our operations team could easily tend to the system to provide ongoing maintenance without any issues.
What’s more, the cables were run in line with existing risers up to the roof to prevent any connectivity difficulties from happening.
Importantly, a man safe line and permanent CAT ladder was also installed to allow for ease of roof access for safe operations and maintenance, giving a whole lifetime PV solution for the client.
The Result
The project was delivered on time and within budget, which allowed the fresh fruit and vegetable distributor to maintain, not only their productive efficiency levels, but also their revenue targets for the year. Despite the need for work to be completed in a timely manner, it was also essential for the team to work in line with health safety procedures during the system installation. Therefore, safety was held to paramount importance at all times.
The 3,636 panel system now produces an annual output of 993,541 kWh, saving over 234,767kg of CO2 per year. This has helped to reduce the impact of their operations on the local environment, and ensures that the company is able to achieve their corporate responsibility goals – falling in line with the government’s aim of becoming a carbon neutral country.
Click here to find out more about our solar panels for transport and logistics companies.