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Project Overview
Elsoms Seeds, a historic seed processing company with over 180 years of heritage, operates a large commercial facility in Spalding that consumes more than 1 million kWh of electricity annually. With monthly energy bills regularly reaching £15,000 to £17,000, they approached Spectrum Energy Systems seeking a substantial solution to reduce their purchased kilowatt hours and protect against rising energy costs.
Our team designed and installed a 177kWp commercial solar installation in Spalding featuring 6 × 25kW Power One/ABB inverters. This sizeable system now generates 165,000 kWh of clean energy annually, covering 15% of the facility's substantial energy requirements and delivering a 17% reduction in electricity bills.
As an MCS certified and NICEIC approved installer with over 14 years of experience in commercial solar installations, we were well-positioned to handle the unique challenges this project presented—including working within a busy warehouse environment with extensive cable routing requirements and stringent health and safety procedures.
This Project Is Ideal If You Are:
A business with annual electricity consumption over 500,000 kWh
Operating warehouses, processing plants, or industrial facilities
Facing monthly energy bills exceeding £10,000
Looking to reduce grid reliance and improve corporate responsibility
The Challenge
This commercial solar installation in Spalding presented several technical challenges that required careful planning and specialist expertise. The busy commercial warehouse environment meant our team needed to work around warehouse operatives and small plant machinery whilst maintaining robust and vigilant health and safety procedures throughout.
The primary challenges we identified during our initial site survey included lengthy cable routes requiring extensive containment and cable management—both internal and external. The scale of the installation demanded meticulous planning to ensure the system would deliver optimal performance without disrupting the day-to-day operations of this critical seed processing facility.
With rising electricity costs putting increasing pressure on operating margins, and the possibility of future site expansion on the horizon, Elsoms Seeds needed a system that would deliver immediate savings whilst providing a foundation for further solar capacity additions. Our experience in expert commercial solar fitting proved essential in developing a solution that addressed all these requirements.
Our Solution
We designed a comprehensive 177kWp solar PV system utilising proven commercial-grade components. The system is powered by 6 × 25kW Power One/ABB inverters—a configuration chosen for its reliability, efficiency, and excellent track record in large-scale commercial applications across the UK.
Special attention was given to cable containment throughout this installation. All external DC cabling was contained in galvanised trunking to protect against the elements and ensure longevity. Internally, cables were routed on cable tray for a neat, professional finish that facilitates future maintenance and inspection.
The installation covers the expansive metal warehouse roof, maximising the available space to deliver substantial annual generation. This approach allows Elsoms Seeds to generate a significant portion of their daytime energy requirements from clean solar power, reducing their reliance on grid electricity during peak operational hours.
Technical Specifications
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Installation Process
The installation was completed in just two weeks—impressive progress for a system of this scale and complexity. Working within a busy commercial seed processing facility required careful coordination with site operations to ensure zero disruption to the day-to-day running of the warehouse.
Our team maintained robust and vigilant health and safety procedures throughout the project, working around warehouse operatives and small plant machinery. The experience and professionalism of our installation crews meant we could execute efficiently whilst maintaining the highest safety standards expected of a facility handling agricultural products.
The cable routing presented particular challenges, with lengthy runs requiring extensive containment both internally and externally. Our solution of galvanised trunking for external DC cables and cable tray for internal routing not only looks professional but ensures easy access for future maintenance and any planned system expansions.
Throughout the process, Rob Hammond, Site/Maintenance Manager at Elsoms Seeds, was impressed with Spectrum's professionalism from start to finish. Our approach to commercial solar installations across the UK prioritises clear communication, minimal disruption, and delivering projects on time and on budget.
Project Video
Watch our aerial drone footage showcasing the scale of this 177kWp commercial solar installation at Elsoms Seeds, covering the expansive metal warehouse rooftops of this historic seed processing facility.
Results & Impact
Since commissioning, the 177kWp system has transformed Elsoms Seeds' energy position. The substantial generation capacity delivers consistent performance that translates directly to reduced operating costs and improved corporate responsibility credentials.
Key Results
The system has reduced annual electricity costs by an average of 17%—a substantial saving for a facility with monthly bills previously reaching £15,000 to £17,000. For a business consuming over 1 million kWh annually, even a 15% coverage from solar represents a significant step towards energy independence and cost stability.
Beyond the immediate financial benefits, the installation demonstrates Elsoms Seeds' commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainability—increasingly important values for businesses in the agricultural sector. The reduced reliance on grid electricity also provides protection against future energy price volatility.
Such has been the success of this installation that Elsoms Seeds have already asked us to complete another grid application to expand the current array and install panels on several other roofs across the site. For businesses considering similar investments, our guide to smart solar investment provides detailed insights into maximising return on investment from commercial solar installations.
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What Our Client Says
One of the best investments the company has made in its 180 year history.— Elsoms Seeds
Rob Hammond, Site/Maintenance Manager at Elsoms Seeds, was impressed with Spectrum's professionalism from start to finish. He noted that our health and safety process was exemplary and that we finished the project on time and on budget with no disruption to the day-to-day running of the warehouse.
The team at Elsoms Seeds have already demonstrated their confidence in our work by requesting we complete another grid application to expand the current array and install panels on several other roofs on site—the ultimate endorsement of a successful commercial solar partnership.
Project Gallery
Common Questions Before Going Solar
"Our facility consumes too much energy for solar to make a difference"
Even high-consumption facilities benefit significantly from solar. Elsoms Seeds consumes over 1 million kWh annually—their 177kWp system covers 15% of that, delivering a 17% bill reduction. Multiple phases can increase coverage over time.
"Will installation disrupt our operations?"
With proper planning, no. Our team completed this installation in a busy warehouse environment with no disruption to day-to-day operations. We work around your schedule and maintain exemplary H&S procedures throughout.
"Why choose Spectrum over other installers?"
14+ years experience, MCS/NICEIC certified, and proven expertise with large-scale industrial installations. We handle complex cable routing, work safely in operational environments, and deliver on time and on budget.
"Can the system be expanded later?"
Absolutely. We design with future expansion in mind. Elsoms Seeds have already commissioned us to submit grid applications for additional panels on other roofs across their site—a common approach for phased investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Large commercial solar installations typically take 2-4 weeks depending on system size and site complexity. This 177kWp installation at Elsoms Seeds was completed in just 2 weeks, including extensive cable containment work and full commissioning. Projects requiring significant electrical infrastructure upgrades or complex access arrangements may take longer, but we always provide a clear timeline before work begins.
Yes, with proper planning and experienced installers. At Elsoms Seeds, we worked around warehouse operatives and small plant machinery whilst maintaining robust H&S procedures. The installation was completed on time and on budget with no disruption to day-to-day warehouse operations. Our team is experienced in working within active commercial and industrial environments.
Savings depend on your electricity consumption patterns and how much solar energy you use directly. Elsoms Seeds achieved a 17% reduction in energy bills by generating 165,000 kWh annually from their 177kWp system. Businesses with high daytime energy usage typically see the best returns, as more solar generation is used on-site rather than exported.
Absolutely. Industrial facilities consuming over 1 million kWh annually are excellent candidates for commercial solar. While a single installation may cover 15-20% of total demand, this still represents substantial savings and carbon reduction. Many businesses, like Elsoms Seeds, plan phased expansions to increase solar coverage over time, spreading investment whilst maximising long-term returns.
Professional installations require careful cable containment planning. At Elsoms Seeds, all external DC cables were contained in galvanised trunking for weather protection and longevity, then routed on cable tray internally for a neat, professional finish. This approach ensures the system remains accessible for maintenance and facilitates any future expansion work.
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Learn More About Commercial Solar
If you're considering a commercial solar installation for your business, our comprehensive resources can help you understand the process, benefits, and what to expect. Read our complete business solar guide for detailed information on system sizing, ROI calculations, and the installation process.
For industrial facilities like warehouses and manufacturing plants, our solar-powered production page explains how solar can transform your operations. Browse more examples of our work across various sectors in our commercial solar case studies, or learn about our ongoing maintenance and care services that keep systems performing at their best for decades.
