As part of an ongoing plan to improve the sustainability of its operation by reducing CO2 emissions, leading bus and coach parts distributor, Imperial Engineering, has made a significant investment in the installation of a 46kWp solar panel and battery storage system at its headquarters in Harlow, Essex.
Delivering a peak power output of 46,000 watts from the latest generation PV modules on the roof, the project was carried out by Emerge Renewable Solutions
As the UK manufacturing sector faces rising energy costs with increasing pressure to meet ambitious sustainability targets, Imperial Engineering’s decision to install solar panels represents a strategic business move, which embraces renewable energy as a means of delivering both immediate and long-term improvements in the efficiency of the business, as well as reducing energy costs.
Reduction in carbon footprint
Having installed solar panels, we can generate clean, renewable energy onsite, which will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions considerably. Many leading UK manufacturers have reported annual savings of thousands of kilograms of CO2 after switching to solar, which also demonstrates genuine environmental responsibility.
As more organisations within the bus and coach industry prioritise eco-friendly suppliers, Imperial Engineering’s visible commitment to sustainability will add weight to our 60-year reputation as a reliable and competitive distributor and overall supporter of the industry.
Substantial cost savings
Energy costs are among the largest overheads for any manufacturing business. With volatile electricity prices in the UK, we recognise that solar panels offer a way to lock in a significant portion of our energy costs at a predictable, far lower rate, which has the added benefit of enabling our business to plan more confidently when looking at future capital expenditure.
With government incentives, such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and 0% VAT on installations, the return on investment is achievable more quickly, and the upfront costs can be offset by the ability to sell excess electricity back to the grid.
Energy independence and business resilience
Solar panels empower us to generate our own electricity, reducing reliance on the National Grid and insulating our operations from external shocks, such as supply disruptions or sudden price spikes. By integrating battery storage, we can store surplus energy for use during peak hours or grid outages, ensuring production continuity and further strengthening our operational resilience.
Making the most of our building
Our modern warehouse and office facility in Harlow has a recently upgraded roof which made it ideal for the deployment of solar panels. This not only maximises the efficiency of our energy generation but also means less electricity is lost in transmission, further improving our overall energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Low maintenance and long-term reliability
Today’s solar panels are robust, with minimal moving parts and warranties typically spanning 25 years. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only periodic cleaning and inspections, which makes solar a hassle-free, long-term solution.
John Dwight, Sales Director of Imperial Engineering, which supports bus and coach operators across the UK with the supply of OE parts, commented:
“As the UK PSV sector accelerates its plan for fleet decarbonisation with the latest generation electric buses coming into service, so Imperial Engineering is playing its part as a key supplier in the journey towards sustainable public transport. With the expert support received from our installation provider, Emerge Renewable Solutions, we have been able to future-proof our business, ensuring that we remain compliant, competitive and resilient in the face of future energy challenges. It also sends a clear message to our customers that we take our environmental impact very seriously and highlights our position as a responsible distributor.”
