Case Study: Cordee Ltd, Hinckley, Leics

Job Description:

In June 2012 Powerpac undertook the design and installation of Solar PV systems on the warehouse of Cordee Limited who are a book distributor in Leicestershire. The installation was motivated by FIT revenue and minimizing energy demand/protecting against future power price hikes. The final system size which consists of 120 x Suntech 250 panels and 2 x SMA Tripower 15,000TL inverters, is monitored by an SMA Bluetooth monitoring system.

As with all our installations the project manager ensured that all onsite tenants were always informed of works going ahead in terms of how it would affect them in regards to temporary power losses, scaffolding present and the requirement of internal access to switch rooms and meters etc.

We estimated that the system would produce 24,443kWh per year, saving them over £2,600 in electricity costs and generating just over £4,000 a year from the feed-in tariff. This sizable return on investment means the system will have paid for itself in just eight to nine years.

Specification:

Panel:
Suntech Power 250W x 120

Inverter Model:
SMA Tripower 1500TL x 2

System Size:
30.0 kWp

Annual Output:
24,443 kWh

Annual CO² Savings:
21,628 kg

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Cordee Ltd operates from a warehouse in the East Midlands with a sun drenched rooftop the size of a small footy pitch. It was wasted space and crying out for income.

We contacted three solar panel suppliers - small, medium and large – to help us decide whether solar power would provide enough energy for our own business needs and also be a sensible investment. Powerpac’s price was (almost!) the lowest of the three quotes, and they were by far the easiest to talk to and gave us the best advice (Shirley).

After commissioning them to install what turned out to be a 120 panel, 30KwH system, their installation (Gareth and team) was smooth and timely. Shortly after installation, and the day after we paid their bill (!), the heavens opened and dumped the most serious hail storm (ice bullets) seen in this part of the county for decades. Cars parked next to the panels incurred thousands of pounds worth of damage and some neighbouring roofs were smashed. When the storm had cleared, Powerpac’s team came to inspect the panels (at no cost to us) and found not a scratch. A testament to the robustness of the panels and Powerpac’s aftercare service. A few months down the line, the panels are dancing merrily to the glare of the intermittent summer sun – and generating plenty of power and income.

Richard Robinson, Cordee Ltd., Hinckley