The installation will generate around 30% of Astute Electronics’ current energy demand and help the company significantly reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.
Maximising warehouse rooftop potential
As a leader in electronics distribution and supply chain solutions, Astute Electronics recognised the clean energy potential of its warehouse rooftop but faced structural limitations typical of commercial properties, which previously made conventional solar installations impossible.
Solivus’ ultra-lightweight solar panels, designed for easy installation on such rooftops, provided the perfect solution. With no need for roof penetrations or planning complications, the installation was completed without disruption to warehouse operations.
The system features over 360 solar panels with a total installed capacity of 154.8 KwP and a declared net capacity of 110KwP. The panels are expected to generate hundreds of thousands of pounds in energy savings over their lifetime, while cutting approximately 469 tonnes of carbon emissions, bringing Astute closer to its net-zero goals.
Mark Shanley, sales and marketing director at Astute Electronics, commented: “Astute has a knack for working with cutting-edge products. We were impressed by Solivus and their innovative, lightweight systems, which can be fitted to the roof of our warehouse; space we previously thought was unusable.
“With Astute’s focus on energy independence and net zero, we’re looking forward to reaping both environmental and sustainability benefits over the next five years and beyond.”
An untapped solar opportunity in the UK
Recent analysis reveals that the UK’s unused warehouse rooftops total 165 million square metres, offering a solar potential of 25GWp. Solivus’ CEO, Jo Parker-Swift, sees immense potential for the warehouse and distribution sectors:
“We are incredibly proud of this project. It will support Astute in not only saving significant amounts in energy bill reductions, but ensure energy availability and enhance carbon reduction efforts.
Looking to the wider warehouse and distribution sector, our hope is that this project will also provide a tangible demonstration of the vast sustainability and cost-saving benefits to be had by embracing the clean energy transition in the commercial building market.”
Clare Bottle, chief executive of the UK Warehousing Association, added:”Since the publication of our landmark report in 2022, UKWA has been consistently campaigning for the sector to embrace rooftop solar power, so it is fantastic to see Astute Electronics leading the way with the completion of this significant solar power installation by Solivus.
Warehouses account for a third of UK commercial roof space, yet currently only 5% of warehouses have solar panels on their rooftops.
“If more companies follow in these footsteps, there is an opportunity for the warehousing sector to reduce emissions by 2 million tonnes of CO2 per year, deliver annual savings on electricity costs of up to £3bn, and contribute half of the solar power required by the whole of the UK to achieve net zero targets.”
Image: Solivus