A COMMERCIAL CASE STUDY
Solar PV installation helping a government office reduce energy costs
Cheylesmore House, a government office building in Coventry managed by Graham Asset Management Ltd for the Department for Education’s Skills Funding Agency, wanted to reduce energy costs while supporting ambitious sustainability targets.
Stratford Energy Solutions designed and installed a 152.28kWp commercial solar PV system, enabling the building to generate renewable electricity on-site, reduce reliance on grid power and achieve an expected five-year return on investment.
Since installation, the system has consistently delivered both financial savings and measurable carbon reductions, demonstrating how commercial solar can help public sector buildings become more efficient and resilient.
Project at a glance
| Location | Coventry |
| Client | Graham Asset Management Ltd |
| Building | Government office |
| End User | Department for Education |
| Solar Capacity | 152.28kWp |
| Solar Panels | 423 × SunPower Maxeon 2 (360W) |
| Monitoring | SolarEdge performance monitoring |
| Estimated Payback | Around 5 years |
| Annual Benefit | Reduced electricity costs and lower carbon emissions |
The challenge
Cheylesmore House required a long-term energy solution that would:
- Reduce rising electricity costs
- Support government net-zero commitments
- Deliver a strong financial return
- Future-proof the building with reliable renewable energy
- Maximise the value of planned building improvements
With a roof replacement already scheduled, the client recognised an opportunity to install solar at the same time, reducing future disruption and aligning the lifespan of both assets. This approach also made it possible to integrate a new mansafe system for future maintenance access.
Our solution
Following detailed site assessments and system design, Stratford Energy installed:
- 423 SunPower Maxeon 2 solar panels
- 152.28kWp of rooftop solar capacity
- SolarEdge monitoring for real-time performance tracking
- A bespoke commercial solar system designed to maximise on-site electricity generation
Although the project timeline extended over two years, Stratford Energy worked closely with the client throughout the procurement and planning process, ensuring a smooth delivery once installation commenced.
Results
The completed installation continues to provide measurable environmental and financial benefits.
Lower operating costs
Generating renewable electricity on-site helps reduce dependence on grid electricity while protecting the building from future energy price increases.
Strong return on investment
The system is projected to achieve payback in around five years, after which it will continue generating low-cost electricity for decades.
Reduced carbon emissions
The installation has already prevented approximately 2.9 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, strengthening the environmental performance of the building and supporting wider public sector sustainability objectives.
Smart performance monitoring
SolarEdge monitoring enables the facilities team to track generation, identify performance trends and maximise long-term system efficiency.
Why this project stands out
This project demonstrates how planned building refurbishment and renewable energy investment can work together.
Installing solar during the roof replacement reduced long-term maintenance complexity, aligned the lifespan of both assets and avoided the additional cost and disruption that separate projects would have created. The Government Property Profession now highlights Cheylesmore House as an example of good practice for integrating roof replacement with commercial solar installation.
Key outcomes
- 152.28kWp commercial solar PV installation
- 423 premium SunPower solar panels
- Around five-year return on investment
- Reduced electricity costs
- Lower carbon emissions
- SolarEdge performance monitoring
- Delivered alongside a major roof refurbishment
- Supports government sustainability and net-zero objectives
Looking to reduce energy costs with commercial solar?
Whether you manage an office, public sector building, educational facility or commercial property portfolio, Stratford Energy Solutions designs and installs bespoke solar PV systems that deliver long-term financial and environmental benefits.
