Bates Timber in Coventry

Introduction

Bates Timber Merchants Ltd, a family-run business in Coventry, wanted to explore sustainable energy options after an initial enquiry about EV charging. During a site visit, SES discussed the potential of solar power with Peter Bates, and the company decided to move forward with a commercial solar installation. The result is a reliable solar system that reduces carbon emissions, saves money, and strengthens their environmental credentials.

Project Goals

Bates Timber set out with three main objectives:

• Reduce reliance on grid electricity by generating clean solar energy on-site.
• Lower operational carbon emissions and showcase a commitment to sustainability.
• Achieve long-term financial savings with a realistic payback period of around seven years.

The Commercial Solar System Installed

SES designed and installed a solar PV system tailored to Bates Timber’s needs:

• Solar Panels: 87 x SunPower Performance 3 (420W each)
• Total Capacity: 36.54 kWp
• Inverter Size: Limited to 33.3kW to comply with grid regulations
• This setup provided a balance between maximum generation and compliance with local distribution network operator (DNO) limits.

Timeline & Process

The project developed steadily over ten months:

• Initial Enquiry: 31 January 2022 – Bates Timber contacted SES about EV chargers.
• Site Visit: SES assessed the site and proposed a solar PV solution.
• System Redesign: Revised quotes were prepared after the DNO restricted the inverter capacity.
• Installation Completed: 21 November 2022.

Despite changes along the way, SES delivered a smooth installation process and a system built for long-term results.

Project Results

Since going live, the solar array has performed strongly:

• Lifetime System Production: 77.9 MWh
• Site Consumption: 175 MWh

While the business still requires grid electricity, the solar system covers a significant portion of their daytime demand.

Environmental & Financial Benefits:

The installation has already delivered meaningful environmental and economic benefits:

• CO₂ Saved: 15,000 kg
• Equivalent Trees Planted: 910
• Kilometres Driven on Sunshine: 220,000 km
• Projected Payback: Around 7 years

These results highlight both the immediate impact and the long-term return on investment for Bates Timber.

Key Performance Highlights

• Solar generation now offsets a large part of daily electricity use.
• Carbon savings are equivalent to planting hundreds of trees.
• Strong alignment with sustainability goals that matter to customers and suppliers.
• Designed within grid restrictions without compromising performance.

Conclusion & Takeaways

The Bates Timber project proves that solar power makes sense for small and medium-sized businesses. With rising energy costs and increasing pressure to go green, solar provides both financial savings and environmental benefits.

Even with grid restrictions, SES delivered a tailored solution that is saving money and reducing carbon emissions every day. For businesses considering solar, the message is clear: start with a conversation, explore your options, and invest in a system that works for your site and goals.