Storage Giant, a South Wales storage company has turned to solar to help lower its operating costs at two of its sites.

The company's Cardiff and Swansea stores are now host to two solar arrays totalling just under 100kWp of capacity.

The solar arrays have been provided free of charge by Renewable Energy Investments (REI), with Storage Giant purchasing the electricity generated onsite for a discounted rate. At the end of the 20-year agreement, Storage Giant will then take ownership of the solar systems.

The Cardiff solar array is predicted to generate 48,000kWh of electricity a year, negating the emission of 21,383kg of CO2 in the process. The Swansea store is estimated to generate 47,700kWh annually, saving 21,249kg of CO2. In concert, the two solar arrays are predicted to save Storage Giant around £246,000 over the next 20 years.  

Simon Williams, managing director of Storage Giant said that the financing model initially attracted the company, he said: “As the largest self-storage provider in South Wales, we were seeking to reduce our electricity bills and become greener. REI’s funding model allowed us to do this, and we’re now considering it for our other sites and as part of our expansion plans for our growing network of stores going forward.”

Toby Smith, projects director at REI, added: “Our Solar Power Purchase Scheme allows businesses to preserve their own capital to spend on their core activities. It also means that companies like Storage Giant have significantly lower electricity bills and cut their carbon footprints.”

The project was developed and installed by Oakapple Renewable Energy, who works closely with REI. The Leeds-based installer said that it was “very busy” as “increasing companies are realising the benefits of utilising their rooftops”.