In Huddersfield, a busy distribution centre spanning 350,000 sq ft sought to reduce its substantial monthly electricity bills of approximately £30,000 by 40%. The solution involved installing a state-of-the-art solar PV system and leveraging a new flexible energy pricing contract. The goal was to significantly cut energy costs while enhancing sustainability and operational efficiency.
The project commenced with the installation of a 900 kWp solar PV system, executed in two phases. The system comprises over 2,100 top-tier solar panels and 6 high-power inverters, linked by miles of cabling with safe containment features to ensure durability and protection. Critical safety measures, including inverter fire protection features and an external DC switch-off fire protection system, were incorporated to enhance the system’s security. Additionally, external system shut-off controls were provided for the fire brigade to ensure quick and safe deactivation in emergencies.
To optimise the financial benefits, the warehouse adopted a flexible energy pricing contract, allowing them to capitalise on ‘buy ahead’ electricity rates. Furthermore, the site is experimenting with battery storage to maximize self-use of generated energy and limit energy export. This strategy includes plans to expand storage capacity, enabling the warehouse to export energy only during premium times allocated by the electricity grid, thus enhancing cost efficiency.
A rigorous preventative maintenance plan was implemented to ensure the system operates at peak efficiency and longevity. This plan includes comprehensive energy generation monitoring, allowing both the installation team and the customer to monitor the system’s status continuously. This proactive approach has resulted in an impressive 99% uptime over the past three years, ensuring swift responses to any issues that arise.
In conclusion, the solar PV installation at the Huddersfield warehouse successfully achieved the target of reducing electric bills by 40% and an investment payback in under 3 years. The integration of advanced safety features, flexible energy pricing, and innovative battery storage solutions not only delivered significant cost savings but also positioned the warehouse as a leader in sustainability and energy efficiency.
We have now started works on the company’s other 500,000 sq ft warehouse.
