Solar PV Project: Case Study

Kumar Sharma, the managing partner of the Sharma Garages Group, envisioned a forward-thinking redevelopment for Swift Service Station in Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Staffordshire. His plan emphasised sustainability solutions, including a state-of-the-art EV charging space. Additionally, he also recognised the savings and revenue potential of renewable energy generation for forecourt retailers, along with the green credentials it would provide. He could utilise the unused space on the shop and canopy roofs to install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.

Ingeni Renewables was chosen for its expertise in electrical and civil work on petrol station forecourts. This background provides a solid understanding of the unique needs of this sector and the ability to work in hazardous areas. The project team aimed to maximise the potential of solar PV to meet as much of the site’s energy demands as possible.

Ingeni designed a customised solution: a 63.22kW solar PV array. It estimated that this array would generate around 49,839kWh of electricity annually.

Ingeni Renewables fully managed the project, which included installation and commissioning as well as the structural assessments, as needed, and applications for the necessary permissions for the installation, such as from the electricity network operators.

Ultimately, after about 10.5 months, the solar PV system produced almost 40,000kWh of clean energy on-site, meeting around 26% of the site’s energy needs. Consequently, the savings from not purchasing this energy from the grid allow funds to be allocated to other projects. Based on the current tariff, the project is on track to pay for itself in 6 years, leaving 19 years and over 900MW of free clean energy for the site.

“I had a particular vision for the redevelopment of Swift Service Station, Newcastle-under-Lyne, which included maximising the renewable energy generation potential at the site. Ingeni Renewables came recommended to me by the principal contractor for the installation of the solar PV on the site. I was not disappointed. The team took the time to understand my wishes and the project was completed to a high standard, within agreed timescales.

I am happy to report that, since opening day, the solar has reduced my energy bills by nearly a quarter, generating several megawatts of electricity. Moreover, I have also since consulted with Ingeni about the installation of solar at a number of my other sites and they have helped fix issues that have arisen on a site with solar they did not install. The team go the extra mile to find solutions that accommodate my vision for these projects.”

— Kumar Sharma, Managing Partner, Sharma Garages Group