Rookery Business Park in Attleborough, Norfolk, has installed solar photovoltaics across 15 roofs in a bid to reduce electricity costs. The renewable energy generated by the 278kWp of solar PV will be sold to the private park’s tenants at a reduced rate.
Philip Frost, Managing Director of the Rookery Business Park said: “Here at Rookery Business Park, we’ve invested in solar because we want to bring electricity costs down for our business tenants and attract further tenants in the future. We believe the price of electricity from the grid is only set to rise, so solar can reduce the burden of bills on businesses in a time when there are cost reduction pressures for us all.
“We’re building seven new industrial units, which have been designed with a south facing roof to accommodate solar – maximising the electricity we can get from our properties. We think businesses will increasingly be looking to reduce their energy costs.”
The project, which is one of the largest in Norfolk, was funded by Clydesdale Bank; the installations were completed by Solarcentury before Christmas in order to beat Government’s December 12 deadline.
David Grindley, Director, Savills Norwich, said: “On the face of it, the project management of the scheme at Rookery Business Park appeared straight forward but it turned out to be quite a complicated, challenging and ultimately rewarding project. The deadline of December 11, 2011 was a focal point for everybody’s efforts and it shows that with good quality companies involved what can be achieved. This was a fantastic team effort from Solarcentury, Clydesdale Bank and Savills in delivering this project.”
Rookery’s feed-in tariff will be paid by the UK’s only 100 percent renewable electricity supplier Good Energy, which will also purchase any exported electricity.
Juliet Davenport, CEO, Good Energy said: “Good Energy believes decentralised energy, where power is generated at home and in communities, has the potential to free the UK from our dependence on imported fossil fuels and deliver greater price stability which will boost long-term economic growth. Projects such as Rookery Business Park demonstrate how businesses can take control of their own energy while making the best use of their buildings to generate clean, green, renewable electricity.”
Rookery Business Park is has also invested in more solar power on a new building, which is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by March 2012.