Stockport firm reduces local manufacturer's grid reliance by almost 50 per cent with solar system

Green Economy connected Salford based Air Handlers with Stockport green tech installers, KAST Renewable Energy, powering up a 60kW solar system worth £50,512 and saving 12 CO2E tonnes.

Air Handlers Northern (AHN) approached the Green Economy team for help to secure a local partner for a solar installation project as part of their decarbonisation and energy efficiency strategy.  

Green Economy shared an expression of interest with its network of local green technologies and services firms. Priya Sirpal who managed the project for Green Economy, arranged face-to-face introductions and consultations with three organisations who could meet AHN’s specific requirements, from which KAST Renewable Energy were appointed.  

Green Economy’s network of green technology specialists sped up procurement process 

Stephen Dootson, commercial director of KAST Renewable Energy said:  

“We’ve been a member of Green Economy for a number of years. Because we’re a part of their Marketplace we get notifications about sales opportunities, and we saw a good opportunity with AHN. We applied, were introduced and shortlisted, and moved on to the feasibility study.”  

Mark Higgitt, Commercial Director at Air Handlers Northern said:  

“Being introduced to the experts directly and in-person sped up the learning process and sharing of knowledge. I felt the introduction process was excellent and I would advise any organisation considering a solar partnership to ensure that both the supplier and end user have a clear idea on timescales, deadlines, processes, and what needs to be done and why. Defining payback periods is also important. This builds a much clearer project specification.”  

Once AHN’s 60kW system was fully operational, maintenance became a key focus to ensure its long-term performance. Stephen said:  

“We identified that Air Handlers are in quite a dirty air area. We spoke about what they can do to keep the integrity of the system given their environment. It’s important for organisations to understand that steps can be taken to ensure green technology is a viable business option even if the environment doesn’t appear immediately accommodating.”  

AHN now have the tools in place to monitor energy generated by their solar system and improve their energy efficiency.  

Speaking on his experience, Mark offered his advice to other businesses considering renewable technology. 

“Specify timeframes so suppliers and end users have a clear idea as to when certain steps will be taking place and when their system will be fully operational. The difficult part of this project was getting the DNO and export license approved, once they were sorted it was a smooth process.”  

The new solar system will reduce AHN’s reliance on the grid by almost 50 per cent, which means they will see a payback on their investment within 24 – 30 months, saving approximately 12 tonnes of CO2E over the lifetime of the technology.  

Do you need support decarbonising your business? Organisations in Greater Manchester can access fully funded support from one of Green Economy’s carbon reduction specialist via the GM Business Growth Hub.  

Visit the website for more information www.greeneconomy.co.uk