Commercial PV Installers | Commercial PV Installations | Ecolution Renewables

Ecolution appoints BDO to raise as much as £40m

reema — Mon, 07 May 2012 08:00:33 +0000

Press release 2012

Ecolution has asked corporate financiers from BDO to look at options after receiving approaches from suitors interested in investing in the business.
The company designs, supplies and installs solar panels for construction groups such as Bellway, Barratt and Berkeley Homes.

The business was founded by brothers Andrew and Kevin Knapp, both formerly construction engineers, in 1999, and since then has grown rapidly. It currently employs 50 people. Last year, Ecolution generated £5m in turnover and is on course to have £9m sales this year.
Ecolution’s move to seek funding comes as experts predict there will be a surge in deal making in the renewable energy sector.

Research by KPMG has found that a growing number of private equity and infrastructure funds are looking to buy renewable energy companies.

Andy Cox, head of power and utilities at KPMG, said: “What our research has found is that green energy is becoming viewed by investors in much the same way as conventional infrastructure asset classes, like water companies and electricity grids.

“Costs are falling rapidly to the point where renewables could soon start to challenge traditional energy sources. This in itself will stimulate renewed investment and takeover activity.”

Buyers are said to be interested in acquiring a wide range of renewable energy businesses, such as onshore wind companies.

Featherstone School, Southall, London

reema — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:10:34 +0000

Continuous collaboration between Whitecode Design Associates and Ecolution, the UK’s biggest commercial photovoltaic installer, and A & Q Partnership has ensured that a Barratt west London housing development on a former school site in Southall London, has achieved Code 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes and also a 10% renewable energy requirement. The development is made up of seven town houses and 54 flats.

Ecolution won the photovoltaic contract on the development and designed and installed a PV system on flat roofs using Ecomount an innovative self-ballasting mounting system which is exclusive to Ecolution. 87, 250 watt LG monocrystalline panels were also used over six blocks. The roof design posed a real challenge for the site team due to the number of vents and roof services. This complication was compounded due to the requirement for more PV being required on some roofs rather than others, coupled with the height of parapets and resulting concerns over shading.

Ecolution circumvented these issues by using raised “A” frames to overcome shading issues but had to maintain a 10 degree pitch to avoid the system being visible at ground level. The system will generate 21.75 kWp in total across the site. This represents a C02 saving of approximately 10,500 kgs per annum.

Andrew Lewis, business development manager at Ecolution, says: “This was a great project for us because some areas became quite a puzzle as we faced a number of complicating factors. The site team working for Barratt West London had to work closely together to get to the very satisfactory end result.”

Ecolution has been working with the building industry for over 25 years, providing renewable energy solutions for over a decade, with an expert team who have over 50 years combined experience in the design, installation and maintenance of integrated renewable technologies. Ecolution operates within the commercial and residential sectors, providing solar hot water systems and solar photovoltaic systems.

Wrotham Water Farm

reema — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:56:57 +0000

Motivated by benefitting from the Feed-in Tariff whilst generating his own electrical requirements, David Goodworth of Wrotham Water Farm collaborated with Ecolution, the UK’s leading independent renewable energy systems provider, to design and build two photovoltaic projects on his farm positioned on National Trust owned land. The farm is located within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which has areas that are actively managed for conservation.

Ecolution gained the contract following a competitive tender involving several companies and were tasked with completing two projects at the end of November 2011, with a deadline of five days.

On the farm’s barn, Ecolution installed 39 LG 250 photovoltaic modules with a Fronius IG Plus 120 on a cement fibre roof. 12 LG 250 modules were installed with a Mastervolt XS 4300 on Castlefield Cottage on a tiled roof.

The barn’s PV installation will generate around 9,000 kWh per annum and Castlefield Cottage will generate 2,700 kWh. The barn will pay back nearly £4,000 per annum via the Feed-in Tariff and will produce over £1,000-worth of free electricity. The house will pay back in excess of £1,200 per annum and will produce £350-worth of free electricity each year.

Richard Jenkins, managing director at Ecolution, says: “This was our first installation on National Trust owned land and we were delighted to be able to work in such wonderful surroundings and achieve a terrific result for David, the farmer. He is able to take advantage of the Feed-in Tariff whilst generating electricity for his own use. The principles of what we do are no different when working in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty versus an inner-city setting and we feel confident that we make the best judgements in any environment. David Goodworth is already considering another installation on a new barn on Wrotham Water Farm.”

ISG Jackson: Victor Wharf, Illford, East London

reema — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:05:46 +0000

Ecolution, the UK’s leading independent renewable energy systems provider has completed a photovoltaic project in Victor Wharf, Illford, east London, for Swan Housing Association of Billericay, Essex. Ecolution worked in collaboration with main contractor ISG Jackson, following a competitive tender process. As with any design and build contract, Ecolution were tasked to demonstrate significant added value in their design collaboration.

The Victor Wharf site comprises of apartment blocks and the Ecolution design set out a 12.02 kWp PV system to off-set the required quantity of CO² in order for the entire scheme to meet the Code for Sustainable Homes level 4.

Mitsubishi 185 watt PV modules were used on A Frames which were then fixed to timber up stands provided by the contractor, ISG Jackson. The modules were installed at a 30° to maximise the roof space area and minimize any shading factors. IP Rated external inverters were used on this project due to the lack of riser cupboard space internally. Over five tonnes of CO² will be displaced each year by the Ecolution installation.

Graham Loft, commercial manager at Ecolution said: “I was delighted with the result of this project as we completed on time and on budget with no additional costs or extras. That shows excellent collaboration with our client and the main contractor as we completed what was planned from the outset.”

University of East London

reema — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:25:13 +0000

Ecolution have recently installed a 17.71kWp PV system a sports facility at the University OF East London.

The scheme consists of an newly built construction and will be used as a training facility for the upcoming 2012 Olympic Games.

Our client on this project is Denne Construction whom Ecolution have partnered with on many renewable energy projects in the past.
The University itself was also keen to ensure they had an involvement with the project and collaborated with Denne to ensure that a suitable specialist contractor was appointed for the scheme.

The PV system will assist in powering the sports hall in an energy efficient manner and will displace in the region of 9 tonne of CO2 per annum.

Due to the application and standing seam roof finish this enabled us to utilise a seam clip install which negated the requirement for extensive framework to complete the installation.

University of Brighton

reema — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:13:15 +0000

University of Brighton Tackle Global Warming with Solar Heated Swimming Pool.
Leading renewable energy company Ecolution was awarded a contract by the University of Brighton to install one of the largest Solar Hot Water systems in the UK.

The University of Brighton, along with six other environmentally responsible UK universities, is a voluntary member of the ‘University Carbon Club’, all of whom have been set a target to reduce Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions as part of the Governments Emissions Trading Scheme.

The University identified its 25 metre swimming pool, situated at the Hillbrow campus in Eastbourne, as a significant source of CO2 emissions. Over the course of a year, heating the pool by natural gas results in the release to the atmosphere of approximately 85 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide, a major contributor to global warming.

With a reputation for providing quality products and service, Ecolution were selected by competitive tender to install 60 NEG evacuated tube solar panels onto the roof of the Sports Centre building, covering 180m2 of roof area.

The system was specified by the building services team at the University to be able to provide 150kW peak of heat energy. It results in excess of 25 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide emissions being saved. This will have huge environmental benefits and contribute significantly to Brighton’s annual target under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme.

Ecolution has been providing renewable energy solutions to the building industry for over 25 years, with an expert team who have more than 50 years combined experience in the design, installation and maintenance of integrated renewable technologies.

It operates within the commercial and residential sectors, providing 360º support from design to maintenance, and a range of technologies including Solar Hot Water systems, and Solar Photovoltaic systems.

Thomas Rotherham College

reema — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:01:58 +0000

Ecolution recently completed the design and installation of Photovoltaic and Solar Hot Water panels at Thomas Rotherham College in South Yorkshire. The systems are designed for easy access by the sixth form students, to monitor performance for education purposes and provide hands-on experience of renewable energy technology, design the systems for easy access.

A 1kWp photovoltaic panel and a 4.6m2 flat plate Solar Hot Water collector were mounted on ‘A’ frames on the flat roof of the college. The installation was part of major building works at the college, and the main contractor provided steelwork integrated into the building structure for Ecolution to design and fit a bespoke mounting system for the panels.

Developing sustainable sources of energy is fast becoming the most important technological challenge facing this generation,” explained Maurice Patterson, Finance Director at Thomas Rotherham College.

“By installing the Solar Hot Water and Photovoltaic panels, we are not only saving money on utilities bills but are also giving students first-hand experience of the latest renewable energy technologies. The college recently received a bronze award in the Eco-Schools programme for its focus on saving energy and sustainability.”

Ecolution’s Director Alan Fry commented: “This was a project we were delighted to be involved with. Educating the next generation about the importance of clean, renewable energy sources and also the social and environmental impact of buildings is essential, ensuring the success and further development of renewable energy technology. By giving the students the chance to monitor and interact with two of the key technologies, we will hopefully inspire them to go on to improve what we have at present and be a part of the solution to society’s energy problems.”

Purelake: The Greyhound, Sydenham, London

reema — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:18:34 +0000

A photovoltaic project in Sydenham, south London, which incorporates The Greyhound pub; a building listed to be of historic importance, has been undertaken by Ecolution, the UK’s leading independent renewable energy systems provider. The development is being completed for client Hexagon Housing Association and Ecolution is working in collaboration with the main contractor Purelake following a competitive tender process.

Design is especially important on this installation due to the roof space being extremely tight and the entire project has to meet Lewisham Borough Council’s extremely strict 20% carbon dioxide reduction target.

62 kWp Hanwha polycrystalline modules are being mounted on Ecomount self ballast, therefore removing the need to penetrate the roofing membrane. Over 29 tonnes of CO2 will be off-set each year as a result of the Ecolution design.

Chris Bratherton, business development manager at Ecolution, says: “This has been an interesting project for us partly due to the historical importance of the pub but we have also been working to achieve a strict CO2 reduction target. This has meant that design and layout is vital – consequently we have used 90% of the available roof space.”

Sterling Press, Kettering

reema — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:46:13 +0000

Ecolution Renewables have recently completed the installation of a 50kWp solar photovoltaic system for Sterling at their main site in Kettering. The system has been installed to take advantage of the feed in tariff (FIT) scheme where users have the opportunity to benefit from the generation of electricity that is not called in from the grid. Consisting of 208 Hanwha 240w panels, this system will ensure Sterling can reduce their CO² emissions by
up to 24 tonnes and produce 40,000 kWh of sustainable electricity every year.

Sterling operates a large marketing communications and commercial printing business requiring considerable electricity usage and there- fore increasing the financial returns of the PV system.

Due to the 2550m² size of the roof space, the PV array sits very neatly onto the south westerly elevation and provides an aesthetically pleasing installation. The internal plant equipment has been installed in an easily-accessible location to make future maintenance checks straightforward but far enough away from the day-to-day business area.

Sterling has also invested in a remote monitoring package from Ecolution which enables them to check system performance regularly to ensure the anticipated financial returns are being achieved. This service provides the client with peace of mind over the 25 year plus period of generation that maximum output is achieved.

Martyn Vendy, Quality Systems & Health and Safety Manager, says: “When Sterling first decided to make the move into renewable energy, Ecolution were recommended to us and we were impressed with their level of knowledge and expertise.

“Throughout the design and installation phases, communication with Ecolution was outstanding. We experienced no disruption to manu- facturing and all areas were tidied daily. The professionalism of the team on site was second to none.

“The performance of the solar PV system to date has proved to be in excess of expectations for the time of the year and we look forward to the panels producing renewable energy for many years to come thanks to the knowledge and expertise provided to us by Ecolution.”

Ecolution has been working with the building industry for over 25 years, providing renewable energy solutions for over a decade, with an expert team who have over 50 years combined experience in the design, installation and maintenance of integrated renewable technologies. Ecolution operates within the commercial and residen- tial sectors, providing solar hot water systems, and solar photovoltaic systems.

Balfour Beatty: Shoreham Academy, Shoreham-by-Sea (Brighton)

reema — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:02:14 +0000

Shoreham Academy in Shoreham-by-Sea is now rated as BREEAM1 Excellent, following the collaboration of Ecolution, the UK’s biggest commercial photovoltaic installer, and overall client Balfour Beatty, who were also the main contractor on site. Following a competitive tender process, Ecolution commenced design and installation at Shoreham Academy in August 2011 and completed in March 2012, co-ordinating fully with the build programme.

Ecolution installed solar thermal technology to meet the hot water requirements of the Sports Hall. A small amount of PV was also required to achieve an additional kWh target. A biomass boiler has also been installed on-site by the contractors to meet the original specification which required mixed renewable technologies.

28 Schuco flat plate Solar Thermal collectors and a 6.645 KWp system LG PV module have been installed on a flat standing seam roof. The installation will ensure that Shoreham Academy can reduce their CO2 emissions by up to 9.2 tonnes per annum and produce 5,650 kWh of sustainable electricity every year.

Andrew Lewis, business development manager for Ecolution, said: “Working on a school has been very interesting for us and we have had to liaise with external consultants to agree a method to control overheating. This involves a heat dump system and covers for the solar thermal panels, so that the school maintenance team can prevent excessive hot water being produced during times of low usage in the school holidays.”

1 BREEAM is the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method and is the most frequently used environmental assessment applied to buildings, ensuring that properties reach high standards in terms of environmental efficiency. BREEAM awards are judged with a grading system against set criteria. The grades are as follows – PASS, GOOD, and VERY GOOD, EXCELLENT and OUTSTANDING. To ensure a high rating, the property must achieve a high score in all eight of the BREEAM environmental categories. The categories are: management, health and well-being, energy, transport, water, land use and site ecology, materials and finally, waste and pollution.