Introduction
Cheylesmore House, a government property in Coventry managed by Graham Asset Management Ltd for the Department for Education’s Skills Funding Agency, needed a smarter way to manage rising energy costs while meeting ambitious sustainability goals.
After first contacting SES in 2019 for a quotation and reconnecting in 2020 for an updated proposal, the client chose solar as the most effective route forward. By March 2021, SES had successfully delivered a large-scale solar PV system that is now generating consistent financial and environmental returns.
Project Goals
From the outset, Cheylesmore House wanted to:
- Cut energy costs by generating renewable electricity onsite.
- Lower its carbon footprint to support the government’s net-zero targets.
- Secure a strong return on investment with a payback period of around five years.
- Future-proof the building with a reliable solar system and performance monitoring.
The Commercial Solar System Installed
To achieve these goals, SES installed a high-efficiency commercial solar array:
- Solar Panels: 423 × SunPower Max 2 panels (360W each)
- Total Capacity: 152.28 kWp
- Battery Storage: None required
- Monitoring: SolarEdge clamp added for detailed performance tracking
- Funding: Fully funded by Graham Asset Management Ltd.
This configuration was designed to maximise onsite generation while ensuring long-term durability and reliability.
Timeline & Process
The project unfolded over a carefully managed timeline:
- Original Enquiry: 4 September 2019
- Revised Quotation: 5 February 2020
- Installation Completed: 25 March 2021
Although the process spanned nearly two years, SES remained engaged, responsive, and flexible, ensuring the project progressed smoothly despite the delays.
Project Results
Since installation, the system has consistently delivered strong results.
|
Year |
Solar Production |
Building Consumption |
|
2023 |
4.41 MWh |
2.75 MWh |
|
2024 |
5.33 MWh |
5.25 MWh |
|
2025 (to date) |
5.12 MWh |
3.44 MWh |
Environmental & Financial Benefits:
- CO₂ Saved: 2,862.61 kg
- Equivalent Trees Planted: 173.2
- Projected Payback: ~5 years
The system often produces more electricity than Cheylesmore House consumes, reducing reliance on the grid and maximising savings.
Key Performance Highlights
- Produced surplus electricity in 2023 and 2025 to date.
- Delivered near-perfect alignment with demand in 2024, demonstrating system reliability.
- Achieved measurable carbon savings equivalent to planting more than 170 trees.
- Strengthened sustainability credentials for a government-managed building.
Conclusion & Takeaways
The Cheylesmore House project shows that commercial solar is both practical and impactful. By installing high-efficiency SunPower panels with smart monitoring, the site now produces more electricity than it often consumes, delivering cost savings and cutting carbon emissions.
With a projected five-year payback period, the investment is already proving its value. For organisations considering solar energy, the key lesson is clear: set clear goals, choose reliable technology, and commit to the process.
