7 Large UK Companies Choose PPA Route to Solar

In today's climate-conscious world, businesses are increasingly turning to renewable energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint and stabilise energy costs. One innovative and cost-effective solution is the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), such as our Energy for All Scheme, which allows companies to install solar panels with no upfront costs. By locking in a fixed rate for solar-generated electricity, businesses can enjoy significant savings while promoting sustainability. Here, we highlight 7 UK companies that have embraced rooftop solar through a PPA, showcasing the credibility and benefits of this approach.

Ashton Gate Stadium, home to Bristol City F.C., set a green example by using a PPA to install a 460-panel solar system. This initiative has reduced the stadium's carbon emissions by 20%, saving approximately £150,000 over two decades. This move not only supports the club’s sustainability goals but also enhances its public image as an environmentally responsible organisation.

GE Power Conversion integrated a 400kW rooftop solar system at their Marine Test Facility in Leicestershire through a PPA. The 962 panels will save around 70 tonnes of Co2 annually and generate an estimated 315,000 kWhs of clean energy per year. This installation contributes significantly to the company’s renewable energy usage, ensuring cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint.

Portsmouth City Council embarked on an ambitious four-year plan to roll out PPA-funded solar panels across various council-owned buildings back in 2016. Since then, they have seen great success from their solar panels on schools, offices, community centres and housing sites, demonstrating the scalability of PPAs for large-scale public projects. In fact, they claim to be one of the country’s biggest public investors in solar panels, and will have a portfolio of 40,000 solar panels on local authority buildings by the end of 2024, which they estimate will reduce their carbon footprint by more than 3,000 tonnes per annum.

Kärcher’s headquarters in Banbury, Oxfordshire, utilised a 25-year PPA to install 967 solar panels. Expected to generate 44% of their annual electricity consumption, the installation of solar panels underscores their commitment to sustainability and has provided a long-term solution to managing energy costs while reducing environmental impact.

Lyreco, an office supplier, installed a rooftop solar array at their national distribution centre in Shropshire through a 20-year PPA. In its first year, the installation saved Lyreco over £50,000 in energy costs, highlighting the financial benefits of adopting renewable energy solutions.

Northumbrian Water’s Bran Sands water treatment plant implemented a 20-year PPA for its solar installation. Predicted to deliver savings of £386,000 over its lifetime, this move towards renewable energy supports the company's efforts to reduce its operational carbon footprint and achieve greater energy independence.

Part of its broader strategy to reach net-zero emissions by 2035, Tesco has fitted 15,000 rooftop solar panels across 14 of its stores through a PPA. This initiative has generated over 4,235 MWh of solar electricity in the first year of operation alone, demonstrating how major retailers can leverage PPAs to advance their sustainability agendas.

At HDM Energies, we understand the diverse energy needs of businesses, landlords, and organisations. Our Energy for All scheme provides a seamless and cost-effective way to transition to solar power. Here’s how we can support your journey to sustainability:

• No Upfront Costs: We finance, supply, install, and maintain solar panels, eliminating the need for any initial investment.
• Fixed Energy Rates: Enjoy electricity at a competitive, fixed rate starting from just 15p per kWh*, with flexible contract lengths ranging from 5 to 25 years.
• Comprehensive Service: From design to maintenance, our all-inclusive service ensures a hassle-free experience.
• Sustainability and Savings: Reduce your carbon footprint and save on energy costs, all while enhancing your Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) credentials.
• Expert Installation: We install panels and equipment from leading brands like Hyundai, Mounting Systems, and SolaX.

By partnering with HDM Energies, your business can join the ranks of these forward-thinking companies and benefit from the advantages of rooftop solar power. Embrace the future of energy and take a significant step towards sustainability with our Energy for All scheme.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business harness the power of the sun and achieve a greener, more cost-effective future.

*The current domestic energy price cap for electricity is 28.6p per kWh, if you use 60000 kWh per year the cost of electricity is £17,160. At the Energy for All rate of 15p per kWh the electricity cost would be £9,000, saving you £8,160 over 12 months. Price is correct as at 03.06.2024 and would be guaranteed for the duration of the contract.