Overview

Bracebridge Engineering Ltd. is a family-run metal precision manufacturer based in Perry Barr, north Birmingham. Since 1978, they’ve earned a reputation for high-quality stampings and assemblies for the automotive, aerospace, defence and electronics industries.

Bracebridge had considered a solar PV installation before but it wasn’t until they undertook an energy audit that they realised the enormous savings they could make – both in terms of energy production and financial spend.

When their fixed term energy contract expired and their standing rates increased dramatically, they decided it was time to start harnessing the power of the sun to see what they could really save.

Finance and HR Manager for Bracebridge, Jade Ruston, said:

“We were awarded a government grant to fund a new solar system and began researching installers. We wanted our journey to be as simple as possible, so we looked at commercial success stories to identify a company that could handle a project of this size from start to finish. We found Plug me in to be professional, well-presented and transparent – and particularly enjoyed their face-to-face service which felt very reassuring.”

Installation Details

Following an initial consultation and site visit to scope out the project, Plug me in installed a 100 kWp solar PV system made up of 239 panels.

Big enough to generate 71,602 kWh and save 13.8 tonnes of CO2 a year, this was one of the largest commercial solar installations in the area. With an investment payback period of four years, the system is projected to save £430,449 over two decades.

The installation included a monitoring system, allowing Bracebridge to track its energy production and consumption in real-time – making things as simple as possible for their busy operations.

Bracebridge were more than satisfied with the installation, with Jade telling us:

“Everything went to plan as promised. Plug me in found creative ways of problem-solving, keeping disruption to a minimum with not a single machine switched off, and removing the asbestos from our roofs – something other companies refused to do.

"The aftersales service was great too; Plug me in were happy to answer any questions, demonstrate how the app works and even visit the site. They were always there for us.”

Financial and Environmental Impact

Since installation, the solar PV system has worked wonders for Bracebridge – doing everything they’d wanted and more.

Within months, the impact was clear:  

• 20% of total project payback achieved in the first year — equivalent to £10,000 saved
• 40% reduction in annual energy bills 
• Significant CO2 reductions, supporting their commitment to sustainable manufacturing

“We’re really impressed with our solar system, which exceeded our expectations very early on. We’ve already achieved 20% payback, which is equivalent to £10,000 savings, and our energy bills are down by 40%.

"Having realised the significant benefits of green technology, we’ve begun looking into further upgrades - including new air conditioning and more cost-effective ways to heat the site.”

Looking Ahead

With their solar PV system installed and performing above expectation, Bracebridge is already exploring further sustainability upgrades, including new air conditioning and more efficient heating systems.


At Plug me in, we’re proud to have delivered a system that’s saving money, reducing environmental impact and helping a local manufacturer power ahead to a greener future.