EvoEnergy And Partners To Install One Of The UK's Largest Rooftop Solar Arrays

Lyreco, the international workplace supplies provider, has appointed EvoEnergy to install a 3.8 MWp solar array at its 15-acre distribution centre in Telford - a project which, once complete, will be one of the five largest rooftop PV systems in the UK.

 The install, which will be owned and operated by Addison Energy Limited "“ a company funded by Guinness Asset Management's EIS service "“ through a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement, will be one of only five rooftop systems in the UK to exceed 3.2 MWh in yearly output.

Global firm Lyreco commissioned the array to help offset the environmental impact of its 55,000 sq m UK distribution centre "“ equivalent to 7.5 Old Trafford football pitches "“ and its 279 delivery vehicles.

Following a competitive tender process, the project was awarded to EvoEnergy for its superior technical presentation and capability to take on the roof's repairs and maintenance alongside that of the solar PV system.

Consisting of 13,860 Trina Solar 275W panels, the new system is predicted to cut annual energy costs by more than £50k and CO2 emissions by 1,700 tonnes per year following completion in October.

It will also be one of the first commercial systems in the country to use large central inverters more commonly used for solar farms, bringing ground mount technology to the rooftop for the first time.

Nick Dacey, logistics director for Lyreco, said: "This is an exciting project for Lyreco and demonstrates our on-going commitment to our "˜Eco Future' environmental strategy and its challenging targets. To be at the forefront of such cutting edge technology makes us very proud and reflects our approach to doing business and providing the very best products and services to our customers."

James Clifford, national account manager for EvoEnergy, said: "Working with leading global companies Lyreco, Addison and Guinness, we're looking forward to delivering one of the UK's largest rooftop solar installations, bringing together our expertise in electrical, mechanical and civil engineering."

Malcolm King, investment manager for Guinness Asset Management, said: "We're pleased to be investing into one of the largest commercial rooftop solar installations in the UK that will be built by our long term EPC partner EvoEnergy and will enable industry leader Lyreco to realise their environmental ambitions."

System in detail

"¢         3.811 MWp rooftop array

"¢         13,860 Trina Solar 275W panels

"¢         2 x 1.65 MW ABB central inverters

"¢         23,000 sqm coverage, approx 50% accounting for roof lights and shading

"¢         1,700 tonnes of CO2 saved per year (estimated)

"¢         Minimum of £53k  annual saving on energy bills (estimated)