Climate integrated solutions, a renewable and sustainable solution partner working across the UK
Client
LGC are a leading global life science tools company, providing mission-critical components and solutions into high-growth application areas across the human healthcare and applied market segments.
Drivers
“Our goal is to create a sustainably great place to work for all our colleagues”
“Our products and services are helping to diagnose illnesses, develop new medicines and ensure food is safe to eat. However, we recognise that we need to reduce the environmental impact of our products and services across their lifecycle.” LGC
Feasibility Study
The initial step was to undertake structural surveys for the roof areas identified as potentially suitable for a solar PV array. This was carried out by CIS and conformed with the clients’ global insurers requirements. We also commenced discussions with the DNO to ensure we could deliver a grid connection for our designated system design.
With these steps completed we were able to focus on the modelling of the return of investment using site specific data and developing a bespoke funding model maximising the financial benefit for LGC with a project supported by extended warranties, fire fighter switch technology and an O&M support package incorporating annual service visits for the defined life of the system.
Design
The optimal project design, taking account of suitable roof areas and current and forecast consumption was for a 306 kWp system. The design and specification have taken account of the building design and orientation at the site and more detailed review of the specification. Our proposal incorporates additional options including extended 20-year inverter warranties, Fire fighter safety switch and an annual O&M service including annual site visits to optimise performance and deliver proactive maintenance of the system.
We modelled the half hourly energy usage data against the expected PV generation across the year and by maximising all available roof space using high efficiency panels the system provides over 60% of site demand. The simple payback on the electricity cost at the time was under 4.5 years. Modelling factors in panel output degradation over the life of the system, orientation and any shading factors ensures ‘Real World’ outputs so providing realistic CO2 offset and cost saving data for commercial consideration.
Install
The project was delivered to budget and ahead of the forecast programme for installation, test and commissioning. This included integration with the existing fire alarm system. Our design ensured the system is fully integrated with the site energy back up and fire alarm systems and doesn’t require manual resetting.
Results
The installed solar PV array is fully integrated with site systems delivering an automated solution optimised to maximise the energy savings over the lifetime of the system. We also provide live access to output data as part of the project, allowing users to view and monitor key data including on-site generation, CO2 savings and money saved. The project was completed in March 2024, With the first month’s output exceeding the ROI modelled figures the system is set to deliver target savings.
The system will be delivering savings of over £70,000 in the first year.
| Financial savings (PA) | CO2 Savings | |
| Year 1 | £70,000 | 61 t/Co2 |
| 20 Years | £2,343,216 | 1,220 t/Co2 |
On -going Support
CIS renewable solutions incorporate a full ongoing O&M service to give our clients peace of mind and to optimise the output from the installation over the life of the system. Remote monitoring of live data and an annual service visit mean that we will be there to keep the solar PV system operating at its peak efficiency and to provide any support or information for our client over the long term.