Bridec

Key stats

• Sector: Manufacturing & Warehousing
• Installation size: 257.07 kWp + 104 kWh battery
• Annual generation: 255 MWh
• Annual savings: £57,000
• Annual CO2 reduction: 40 tonnes
• Return on investment: < 3 years

The challenge: Manufacturer with high energy usage wants to lower costs and carbon

Bridec is Britain’s oldest melamine board manufacturer, providing products to the trade for furniture, kitchens and flooring. The company runs several electricity-intensive processes which total 320,000 kWh per year, including a high-heat melamine press running 12 hours a day.

Bridec has a strong commitment to sustainability, with a rigorous environmental management system (ISO14001) in place. It turned to Good Energy to expand its existing rooftop solar PV array, with the dual aim of slashing carbon emissions and mitigating rising energy costs.

Like many manufacturers, Bridec has a large, unused flat roof space which is perfect for solar PV. Prior to the install, our team of MCS-accredited specialists conducted a detailed feasibility assessment and liaised with the Distribution Network Operator to secure permissions to connect a larger solar panel array to the grid.

The Solution: An optimised solar and battery solution, with payback in under three years

Good Energy Solar installed a solar array with a capacity of 257.07 kWp, and a 3-phase 104 kWh battery to store excess electricity for use at peak times. Bridec’s solar panel array will offset 71% of their annual electricity bill, with expected annual savings of £57,000 and full payback in less than 3 years. Bridec is also getting paid for any excess electricity they export to the grid, via a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Good Energy.

Comissioned in June 2024, the solar array met almost all of Bridec’s electricity needs in the summer months, dramatically cutting the company’s carbon footprint and bills. Even on cloudy days in winter, the array is generating up to 140 kWh per day, keeping their energy costs low. 

Installed using the Mansafe fall-arrest system, the solar array will be simple to maintain without the need for excess scaffolding.

“We wanted to increase our renewable generation capacity, because it’s the right thing to do, and will protect us against rising energy costs. We chose Good Energy not only on price, but because we were confident they’ve delivered similar large-scale projects in our sector. Good Energy were a great partner and very professional – I can’t fault them! We received great service at every stage, from design and planning, through to installation and commissioning.”

Alasdair Pollard, Director, Bridec