CES delivers renewable energy contract for DAF dealership
Shropshire electrical services company CES has completed a major new solar installation delivering a renewable energy solution to a commercial transport dealership in Leicester.
Energy specialist CES partners with lead contractor Ample Power - their biggest collaboration project to date - for the Ford & Slater DAF Trucks UK dealership in Leicester.
Director of CES Joe Collison said: “As this is a DAF dealership the site has an incredibly high energy demand, in particular from welding equipment, HGV brake testers and pit equipment.
“The PV is part of a wider scheme for Ford & Slater to invest in a greener future for their company and brand, whilst instantly reducing energy consumption onsite. F&S are also preparing themselves for an electrified future where the PV will be used to charge new and used DAF HGVs.
“Having already installed a 180kW DC charger, the company is investing further in charging and storage infrastructure, and has commissioned us to design and build an energy storage system (ESS) to store for later any solar energy generated but not immediately used.”
The project to install a 457kW Solar PV system using SunPower P7 modules and multiple SMA 125kW inverters initially threw up some challenges, but Joe pointed out that by working closely with the roofing team as well as long-term partner Ample Power, solutions were found early.
Shropshire-based Ample Power boasts an experienced multi-disciplinary team which specialises in commercial construction, refurbishment and maintenance work.
Joe said: “There were a number of obstructions and skylights on this project which would have affected the array sizes, but by working with Ample Power and the roofing team at the design stage the construction has been adjusted to place all skylights on the northern pitches and where possible Ample Power has re-routed external pipework and vents to exit either on the northern side or outside of the array location.
“Ample’s expertise in design and turnkey solutions for commercial construction projects was invaluable on this contract.”
Previously, CES delivered a 121kWp solar PV installation for a new state-of-the-art DAF dealership in Bridgwater, Somerset where DAF has established strict specification criteria for their dealerships, with renewable energy integration being a key requirement.
The success of that project alongside Ample Power contributed to setting new standards for DAF dealership specifications and establishing a blueprint for renewable energy integration in commercial transport facilities.
Project manager at Ample Power, Ross Richardson-Jones said: “Our partnership with CES continues to go from strength to strength. Their technical expertise and collaborative approach make them an ideal partner for delivering complex renewable energy solutions. We value the open communication and problem-solving mindset they bring to each project.
“This installation represents an important step in Ford & Slater's sustainability journey, providing them with immediate energy savings while preparing their infrastructure for an electrified future. Ample Power and CES’s successful working relationship has allowed us to consistently provide high-quality installations. We're already excited about the pipeline of future projects we'll be tackling together.”
