The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham has installed a brand-new solar panel system to help the venue reduce its carbon emissions and its energy bills.
The new installation takes the popular town centre venue a big step closer to achieving its net zero target, providing renewable heating, lighting and air conditioning in shared areas.
509 solar panels have been installed on the rooftops of five of The Brewery Quarter's buildings, which will provide up to 200,000 kWh of renewable energy each year and save around 138 tonnes of carbon emissions, too — with 15 batteries to store excess energy produced during the day and provide power during the night.
On top of carbon savings equivalent to taking 30 cars off the road, the installation is expected to save the venue around £50,000 on its annual energy bills.
The system was designed and installed by Bath-based Your Eco using SolarEdge technology to maximise energy production; mitigate the impact of soiling and shading; ensure safety in a busy venue; and provide inbuilt features that reduce voltages to touch-safe levels to facilitate roof access for maintenance or in the event of an emergency.
The installation was funded by leading rural insurer NFU Mutual, which owns The Brewery Quarter, and facilitated by asset management company Martin Commercial Properties, which manages the centre.
Asset manager for NFU Mutual, Bryony Plain-Jones, said: '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.
'We are proud to support initiatives that prioritise environmental conservation and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the local community.'
Operations Manager of Martin Commercial Properties, Rob Howse, added: 'As a company, we are laser-focussed on reducing the environmental impact both of our own operation and those of our customers — a commitment that recently saw us achieve certification as a Carbon Neutral Business by Carbon Neutral Britain.
'By harnessing the power of solar energy, commercial operators can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to achieving a greener, more sustainable future for local communities. We believe The Brewery Quarter has set a positive example for other developments to follow.'
