UK's Largest Roof-Top Solar Installation Hits The 1,000,000kWh Production Marker In Suffolk
Just one year after over 7,000 solar panels were installed on the roof of Promens Packaging’s plant in Beccles, Suffolk, the scheme has now generated over 1,000,000 kWh (1 GWh) of green electricity. The UK’s largest solar energy provider, Lightsource Renewable Energy, is the company behind the installation and operation of the scheme, leasing the roof space from Promens and installing the PV panels free of charge. In return, Promens has benefitted from substantial savings on its energy costs because it has been able to run a significant part of its operations on the much cheaper ‘green’ electricity it buys from Lightsource.
Adrian Banks, Engineering Manager at Promens Packaging, Beccles reports, “From July 2011 to the
end of June this year we have generated 1.2 GWh, utilised 970 MWh, exported to the grid the
remaining 191 MWh and in the process saving us over £50,000.00 on our electricity bill. These are
clearly significant figures and we would expect the benefit to increase further over the next 12
months, especially with energy tariffs going up.”
Promens has also been experiencing further benefits from housing Britain’s largest roof top PV
scheme. Adrian says, “I think it has put out a very positive message to our staff and customers alike.
It’s difficult to say if business has been won as a direct consequence, but our Greener credentials
certainly impress when customers visit our site and see our aerial photos. As a company, one of our
key values is to have the courage to challenge conventional wisdom and react quickly to new
technologies and opportunities. So, when Lightsource first approached us in March 2011, we
adopted the idea of the solar installation very quickly – a decision that we’re very pleased we made.”
Nick Boyle, CEO of Lightsource adds, “It’s remarkable what can be achieved in such a short time and
we’re proud to have made a significant difference in reducing energy bills. Promens is a prime
example of how commercial property owners and high electricity users can benefit from leasing
otherwise unutilised roof or ground space to us with no expenditure and no adverse impact on existing business activity. Once an organisation enters into an RPI index-linked Power Purchase
Agreement with us, they will enjoy not only significant reductions in their energy bills but far greater
pricing certainty for the future.”
For further information on Lightsource or any of its renewable energy projects, please contact
info@lightsource-re.co.uk or visit the website at www.lightsource-re.co.uk
NOTES TO EDITOR
Lightsource Renewable Energy Limited is the UK’s largest solar energy developer and owner in
Britain. It is UK-based with a growing development team of experienced solar engineers, planners
and project managers. Founded in 2010, the company has made rapid progress over the past two
years, establishing itself as the pre-eminent player in the UK solar photovoltaics sector.
www.lightsource-re.co.uk
Promens Beccles sits within the Personal and Healthcare sector of the larger Promens Group, a
global business operating 41 plants in 19 countries and employing over 3,800 staff. It is a
manufacturer of plastic packing solutions in a number of business sectors such as vehicle, healthcare,
food and beverage. For further information, please visit www.promens.com
Media enquiries
Liza Gray, Communications Manager
Email: liza.gray@lightsource-re.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)333 200 0755
