Dimplex solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have been installed at one of the UK’s largest rooftop solar PV installations, a 277kWp scheme that’s set to provide energy savings of up to £25,000 a year for Hampshire Cosmetics.
Located on the 55,000sq ft roof space of the Waterlooville-based cosmetics manufacturer, the system uses 1061 Dimplex panels and is expected to generate almost 25% of the company’s annual energy usage.
It’s also thought to be one of the UK’s largest zero capital projects through a 25 year lease agreement with energy specialists Anesco Asset Management. The excess energy generated will be sold back into the National Grid by Anesco, using the Government’s Feed in Tariffs scheme which is designed to encourage energy savings.
The installation and maintenance of the panels is also being provided by Anesco, and the scheme was completed and switched on within just eleven weeks of the agreement being signed.
The busy factory produces cosmetics for retailers including Tesco, Body Shop and Waitrose and is fully committed to sustainability. In fact, the latest solar PV project helped Karen Taylor, the firm’s quality and environmental manager to scoop a top industry accolade. She won the ‘Environmental Manager of the Year’ title at the prestigious National Environment and Energy Awards.
Ideal solution
“We’re very committed to reducing our carbon footprint but like any business we’re looking for innovative ways to minimise capital spends. This is the ideal solution for us as there was minimal capital outlay in our roof lease agreement which also makes more of its natural potential, putting the energy back into the grid and of course providing us with substantial energy savings,” she said.
Dimplex PV panels contain polycrystalline modules and have an industry-leading 10 year guarantee. They were selected by Anesco for the installation which required minimal remedial work on the roof prior to the start of the project.