Welsh uPVC window manufacturer, Solar Windows, has significantly reduced its carbon footprint as well as operational costs after investing in a 110.4kWp solar array on top of its factory buildings.
Working with local installer Gibson Specialist Technical Services, 470 Enfinity PV modules were fitted over 777m.sq of the company’s pitched metal roof. Commenting on the project, Paul Gibson, Managing Director of Gibson STS, said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to be involved in the Solar Windows project which was, at the time of commissioning, one of the largest installations of its type in South Wales”.
The 110kWp array has generated over 99,300kWh of electricity in its first year of operation – exceeding all expectations despite the UK enduring one of the wettest years on record.
Since the system was installed, the commercial solar sector has experienced a tough time with very little take up since FiT rates were revised. Gibson explained that after a long period of inactivity, things are starting to look rosier, he added: “It was a shame that the feed-in tariff cuts last year reduced the number of installations that could be achieved. It’s great to see that the opportunity for completing more commercial installs has now resurfaced, and that the benefits for business in generating their own solar energy are as compelling as ever.”