The Challenge
Installing a large commercial solar PV system at an operational automotive facility requires careful planning to ensure the project is delivered safely while allowing normal business activities to continue.
Working Around an Operational Automotive Facility
BMW Williams located on Trafford Park is an active automotive site, with vehicle sales, servicing and other customer-facing activities taking place throughout the day.
The solar installation therefore needed to be carefully coordinated around the site’s normal operations, with safe working areas and appropriate management of installation activities.
Maximising Available Roof Space
The project required a large solar array consisting of 540 panels. Careful consideration was therefore required when designing the panel layout to make effective use of the available roof space.
Engineering Insight
Installing a 270kWp solar PV system across two separate commercial roofs required careful planning to maximise available space while ensuring both roof areas were suitable for the installation. Energy Gain considered the individual characteristics of each roof when designing the panel layouts, mounting arrangements and electrical connections.
The system was designed to make efficient use of both roof areas, with 540 solar panels installed across the site. Particular attention was given to panel positioning, structural requirements, cable routing and maintenance access to ensure the completed system operates safely and efficiently.
By designing the installation around the two existing roof spaces, Energy Gain was able to maximise the site’s renewable energy generation while maintaining a practical and maintainable commercial solar PV system.
Project Results
The completed 270kWp solar PV system now generates renewable electricity directly at BMW Williams Trafford Park.
With 540 solar panels, the installation is expected to generate approximately 255,000kWh of renewable electricity annually.
Over its lifetime, the system is expected to generate approximately 5,268,000kWh of renewable electricity, helping BMW Williams reduce its reliance on grid-supplied electricity over the long term.
The installation is also expected to save approximately 47 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year, resulting in an estimated 1,092 tonnes of CO₂ savings over the system’s lifetime.
Project Statistics
- System Size: 270kWp
- Solar Panels Installed: 540
- Annual Generation: 255,000kWh
- Lifetime Generation: 5,268,000kWh
- Annual CO₂ Savings: 47 tonnes
- Lifetime CO₂ Savings: 1,092 tonnes
Looking to Install Commercial Solar?
Energy Gain has extensive experience designing and delivering commercial rooftop solar installations for businesses across the UK.
From automotive dealerships and manufacturing facilities to commercial buildings and public-sector organisations, our team designs solar PV systems around the individual requirements of each site.
Whether your organisation is looking to reduce electricity costs, generate renewable energy on site or achieve wider sustainability objectives, our team can assess your building and identify the most suitable solar solution.
Contact Energy Gain for a free commercial solar feasibility assessment and discover how solar could work for your business.
