A COMMERCIAL CASE STUDY
Cotswold Marquees invests in solar to future-proof manufacturing operations
Following the construction of a new manufacturing facility in Lower Brailes, Cotswold Marquees wanted to maximise the value of its investment by making better use of the building’s large roof space. With manufacturing equipment operating throughout the working day and electricity costs continuing to rise, commercial solar offered an effective way to reduce operating costs while supporting the company’s long-term sustainability ambitions.
Stratford Energy Solutions designed and installed a bespoke 14.58kWp solar PV system, helping the business generate its own renewable electricity, lower energy bills and future-proof its operations.
Project overview
| Client | Cotswold Marquees |
| Sector | Hospitality & Event Manufacturing |
| Location | Lower Brailes, Oxfordshire |
| Installation Completed | June 2023 |
Installed solution
- 36 × SunPower Performance 405W solar panels
- 14.58kWp solar PV system
- SolarEdge SE12.5K inverter
- SolarEdge S500 optimisers
- Annual solar generation: 12,372kWh
Environmental impact
- Approximately 9 tonnes of CO₂ emissions saved
- Equivalent to around 579 trees planted
The challenge
Cotswold Marquees had recently completed a purpose-built manufacturing facility after replacing an older building. The new premises featured a large, south-facing roof that was ideally suited to solar generation, while the business’s manufacturing processes created a consistent daytime electricity demand.
With production equipment, lighting, seasonal heating and cooling all contributing to energy consumption, the company recognised an opportunity to reduce electricity costs by generating more of its own power. At the same time, the business wanted to protect itself against rising energy prices and invest in a solution that would continue delivering value for many years to come.
The decision to install solar also aligned with the completion of the new building, allowing the system to be incorporated as part of the wider investment rather than being retrofitted at a later date.
Why Stratford Energy Solutions?
Cotswold Marquees discovered Stratford Energy Solutions through Coventry’s Green Business Directory and were keen to work with a trusted local installer.
Following an initial site survey, our team provided a competitive proposal alongside straightforward advice tailored to the business’s energy requirements. Being based locally gave the customer confidence that support would always be close at hand if required, while our experience in commercial solar installations ensured the project could be delivered with minimal disruption.
The solution
Stratford Energy Solutions designed a 14.58kWp commercial solar PV system to complement the site’s daytime operating pattern.
The manufacturing facility operates predominantly during normal business hours, Monday to Friday, allowing a large proportion of the electricity generated to be consumed immediately on site. This maximises self-consumption and helps reduce reliance on imported electricity from the grid.
The installation was completed in just two days with minimal disruption, allowing manufacturing activities to continue throughout the project.
The results
Since commissioning, the solar PV system has helped reduce the cost of running the manufacturing facility, particularly during warmer months when cooling equipment is used more frequently. Any surplus electricity generated outside operating hours is exported back to the grid, providing an additional financial return.
The business also benefits from real-time monitoring through the SolarEdge platform, giving complete visibility of system performance, electricity generation and environmental savings.
Beyond the immediate financial benefits, the installation has provided greater confidence in managing future energy costs while supporting the company’s sustainability objectives. Having already seen the value of solar, Cotswold Marquees is now considering battery storage as the next step, enabling even more of the electricity generated on site to be used within the business.
Customer testimonial
“Once we had decided to go with the solar panels, the process with Stratford Energy Solutions was straightforward. The installation was carried out without disruption to our schedule and communication was great throughout. We love the solar app which shows how much energy is produced and consumed and the feed-in tariff is a bonus. We would recommend Stratford Energy as a reliable partner on the solar journey.”
Looking ahead
This project demonstrates how commercial solar can benefit far more than traditional manufacturing and warehouse facilities. Businesses operating from industrial estates often have large, underused roof space and significant daytime electricity consumption, making them ideal candidates for solar PV.
For SMEs looking to reduce operating costs, improve energy resilience and make better use of their premises, Cotswold Marquees provides an excellent example of how investing in commercial solar can deliver long-term financial and environmental benefits.
