Castlecroft Group: Making waves by the River Tay

Castlecroft Group is one of Scotland’s leading commercial property companies, with its head office based on the banks of the River Tay. The King James VI building offers uninterrupted views across the river and Kinnoull Hill - and features a distinctive curved roof that required a carefully engineered solar solution.

Like many commercial property businesses, Castlecroft was facing increasing energy costs and long‑term uncertainty. The decision to review their energy supply was driven by a desire to lower operating costs, reduce carbon impact, and take greater control over energy supply. This aligned with their wider commitment to responsible, long‑term stewardship of their buildings and local community.

At HDM Energies, this challenge goes to the heart of why we exist. We believe businesses deserve better than volatility, uncertainty and reliance on systems they cannot control - and that local energy generation is a practical way to change that.

Working alongside our sister company, HDM Solar, we designed, installed and will continue to maintain a bespoke solar PV system at King James VI Business Centre. This project was carried out by one of our trusted installers, Beech Electrical.

The system includes:

• 144 Canadian Solar 620W panels
• Solax X3‑FTH‑80K inverter
• Total installed capacity: 89.28 kW

After almost a year, the system has generated 70.3MWh - 14% more than designed - supplying 32% of the building's total energy consumption (163MWh) with 75% of generated power consumed on site and 25% exported back to grid.

In addition, a 100 kWh battery will be fitted to enable Castlecroft to retain and use close to 100% of the energy generated on site, further reducing their dependence on external supply and improving resilience.

For HDM Energies, projects like this are not just about installing solar, battery and EV charging systems, they’re about giving businesses more control, greater stability, and long‑term energy security.

Through HDM Energies’ Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), Castlecroft was able to access the benefits of solar without any upfront capital investment.

The agreement provides them with:

• Fixed energy pricing at 15p per kWh for 12 years
• Protection from future wholesale market volatility
• Immediate savings from day one.

In the first year alone, Castlecroft is forecast to save £4,709, with total projected savings of £109,535* over the duration of the contract, based on their energy price from the grid of 23p per kWh.

This approach reflects our belief that businesses should not have to live in fear of energy price spikes, geopolitical shocks or infrastructure failures - and that affordability and stability should be built into the system, not hoped for.

*Estimate is based on the assumptions used within the PPA agreement, including a 5% annual increase in grid supplier electricity pricing.

Alongside financial benefits, the system will reduce Castlecroft’s carbon emissions by 10 tonnes per year, equivalent to:

• 56 flights avoided annually
• 84,729 fewer car journeys per year
• The carbon benefit of 468 trees planted each year

Local generation, paired with intelligent energy management and storage, plays a critical role in building a more decentralised, resilient energy system - one where businesses actively contribute to change rather than remaining exposed to it.

A partnership aligned on values

George Godsman, Director of Castlecroft Group, commented:

Partnering with HDM Energies was a major step forward for our business. It allows us to reduce our carbon footprint immediately without significant upfront capital investment, as well as delivering long term energy cost savings and price stability. Sustainability has become a core part of our long term business strategy and by investing in renewable energy, we’re protecting the environment and building a more sustainable future for our company, our clients and our community.

HDM Energies’ PPA model is funded by Paragon Bank. It’s supporting SMEs and the wider UK economy to transition to cleaner, more efficient and more resilient energy systems.

By combining local generation, battery storage and long‑term pricing certainty, we help businesses take control of how their energy is produced and consumed - without complexity, disruption or upfront cost.

For us, this is how change happens: one site, one system, one business at a time.