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The Brewery Quarter, a retail and leisure development in the heart of Cheltenham, has taken a significant step towards achieving its goal of net zero operation with the installation of a 509-panel rooftop solar+storage system across five of its buildings. In its first year, the system is expected to generate up to 200,000kWh of clean, renewable energy and offset the production of approximately 138 tonnes of carbon – equivalent to taking 30 cars off the roads for 12 months.
Located on Cheltenham High Street, The Brewery Quarter is home to a large number of retail outlets, restaurants, bars, and a variety of leisure facilities including a 14-screen cinema. The solar system will provide power for heating, lighting and air conditioning in the complex’s shared areas. This is expected to save in the region of £50,000 each year in reduced energy bills.
The solar system was funded by rural insurer, NFU Mutual, and delivered through asset management company, Martin Commercial Properties, working in partnership with Your Eco, a leading local installer of solar power systems.
Bryony Plain-Jones, Asset Manager of NFU Mutual, says, “As the owner, we are thrilled to take this significant step towards improving sustainability. This investment in solar energy not only aligns with our values as a responsible property owner, but it also contributes to the long-term viability and resilience of the development.”
In this system, SolarEdge Power Optimizers are attached to solar panels to mitigate the impact of soiling or shading which can reduce output in traditional, non-optimised systems. SolarEdge Power Optimizers also come with embedded advanced inbuilt safety features designed to reduce voltages to touch-safe levels in order to provide safe roof access during maintenance or in the unlikely event of an emergency.
The installation also includes 15 batteries which will be used to store excess energy produced during the day to provide power to The Brewery Quarter around the clock.
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