Project overview

Plug me in was delighted to win a competitive council tender to install a large solar photovoltaic (PV) system at Harborough Innovation Centre (HIC), a council-funded business hub in Leicestershire.

The solar installation aligns with the Centre’s sustainable initiatives, which include biomass heating, rainwater harvesting, LED lighting, electric vehicle chargers, as well as a large cycle shelter. Following the success of this project, we have been awarded additional council-run solar PV installations.

Tim Bradbury, HIC’s Business Centre Manager, highlighted the Centre’s commitment to sustainability, stating: “The Innovation Centre is a very green building and we wanted to further strengthen our green credentials, whilst at the same time reducing our energy consumption and, in turn, our energy bills. The financial benefit was a major consideration on the basis that the pay back on the investment was going to be relatively short – roughly three years. The project went out to competitive tender and we received a lot of interest. Plug me in won the contract on the basis that they submitted the most comprehensive and competitive application.”

Installation details

The project involved the installation of 222 solar panels across the building’s south, east and west-facing roofs, using a K2 clamp-based mounting system suited for standing seam roofing. The building’s height and regular pedestrian traffic presented logistical challenges, particularly regarding scaffolding and safety, which we managed carefully to avoid disruption and to ensure the safekeeping of the building’s staff, tenants and visitors.

Tim praised the process, stating: “The whole customer journey was very good. We had regular meetings to keep everyone informed, and they managed third parties, like scaffolders, very smoothly. From start to finish, Plug me in ensured a well-coordinated installation with minimal input required from us.”

Financial and environmental impact

HIC has been tracking the system’s output for six months since it was installed. To date, it has generated 58.5 MW, putting the Centre on track to meet the estimated annual generation of 83,600 kWh and 16 tonnes of CO₂ savings. With projected first-year financial savings of £25,000, the solar installation is already making a meaningful impact on HIC’s energy costs and environmental goals.

The solar system also contributes power to on-site electric vehicle chargers, ensuring that any excess energy generated during the day can help fuel electric vehicles parked at the Centre.

This successful installation has not only strengthened HIC’s commitment to sustainability, but also opened the door for Plug me in to undertake additional council projects, furthering our impact on local sustainable energy solutions.