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Project Overview
Johns of Nottingham, a well-established commercial business in Mapperley, approached Spectrum Energy Systems seeking a solution to rising electricity costs and their growing fleet of electric vehicles. With energy bills reaching £18,760 annually and EV charging demands increasing, they needed a comprehensive solar solution that would deliver meaningful savings whilst supporting their sustainability goals.
Our team designed and installed a 35kW commercial solar installation in Mapperley featuring 70 JA Solar 500W all-black panels paired with a 20kWh GivEnergy battery storage system. This combination now generates 23,000 kWh of clean energy annually, covering 35% of the business's energy requirements and reducing their electricity bills by over £6,700 per year.
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 at height on a three-storey building with tight access constraints.
This Project Is Ideal If You Are:
A business with annual electricity bills over £10,000
Operating EV chargers or electric fleet vehicles
Using most of your power during daytime hours (8am–6pm)
Located in the East Midlands or surrounding areas
The Challenge
This commercial solar installation in Mapperley presented several technical challenges that required careful planning and specialist expertise. The three-storey commercial building features a flat roof—excellent for solar panel positioning but demanding from a logistics and safety perspective.
The primary challenges we identified during our initial site survey included the building height requiring specialist access equipment, limited working space on the roof perimeter, and the need to design a system that would maximise generation despite the flat roof orientation.
With annual electricity bills of £18,760 and increasing EV usage putting additional strain on their energy consumption, Johns of Nottingham needed a system that would deliver substantial savings without disrupting their daily business operations. Our experience in expert commercial solar fitting proved essential in developing a solution that addressed all these requirements.
Our Solution
We designed a comprehensive 35kW solar PV system utilising an innovative east-west array configuration. Rather than positioning all panels facing south (which can lead to a midday generation spike followed by rapid decline), the east-west orientation spreads energy production more evenly throughout the day. This approach is particularly beneficial for commercial operations that consume electricity from morning until evening.
The system incorporates 70 JA Solar 500W all-black panels, chosen for their excellent performance-to-cost ratio, sleek appearance, and proven reliability. These panels are mounted using the Esdec flat roof mounting system—a ballasted solution that secures the array without penetrating the roof membrane, protecting the building's weatherproofing integrity.
To maximise the value of every kilowatt generated, we integrated a 20kWh GivEnergy battery storage system. This allows Johns of Nottingham to store excess solar generation during peak production hours for use during periods of higher demand or when grid electricity prices are at their highest.
Technical Specifications
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Installation Process
The installation was completed in just five days—a testament to thorough pre-planning and our team's experience with complex commercial projects. Working on a three-storey building with limited ground-level access required specialist equipment and careful coordination.
We deployed an 18-metre telehandler to safely lift the 70 solar panels and mounting equipment to roof level. Whilst this approach might seem complicated, our extensive experience working with plant machinery on commercial solar installations across the UK meant we could execute this efficiently and safely. Many installers would struggle with this type of access requirement, but it's precisely the kind of challenge our team is equipped to handle.
The Esdec mounting system was laid out with precision across the flat roof, with ballast blocks positioned to secure the array against wind uplift without any roof penetrations. Our installers worked around existing rooflights and other roof furniture to maximise the available installation area whilst maintaining clear access routes for future maintenance.
All electrical work, including the GivEnergy 3-phase inverter and 20kWh battery installation, was completed to the highest standards by our NICEIC-qualified electricians. The system was fully commissioned and connected, with comprehensive monitoring configured to allow Johns of Nottingham to track their generation and savings in real time.
Project Video
Watch our installation team in action at Johns of Nottingham, showcasing the scale of this commercial solar project and the specialist equipment required for a three-storey flat roof installation.
Results & Impact
Since commissioning, the 35kW system has transformed Johns of Nottingham's energy position. The combination of high-efficiency panels, intelligent east-west orientation, and battery storage delivers consistent performance that translates directly to the bottom line.
Key Results
The system has reduced annual electricity costs from £18,760 to £12,000—a saving of 36%. With an estimated payback period of just 4.5 years, the investment represents excellent value, particularly given current electricity price volatility and the likelihood of continued increases in energy costs.
Beyond the financial benefits, the installation saves approximately 9.2 tonnes of CO₂ annually, supporting Johns of Nottingham's environmental commitments and demonstrating their sustainability credentials to customers and stakeholders.
For businesses considering similar investments, our guide to smart solar investment provides detailed insights into maximising return on investment from commercial solar installations.
See What Solar Could Save Your Business
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What Our Client Says
We would absolutely recommend Spectrum to any other businesses looking for solar!— Johns of Nottingham
The team at Johns of Nottingham highlighted our professionalism and efficiency throughout the project, noting that we demonstrated genuine expertise in handling this type of complex installation. From initial consultation through to commissioning, we maintained clear communication and delivered on our promises.
Project Gallery
Common Questions Before Going Solar
"Is my roof actually suitable?"
We conduct a thorough site survey assessing structural capacity, orientation, shading, and access. Flat roofs like Johns of Nottingham's are often ideal—no roof penetrations needed with ballasted mounting systems.
"What if energy prices drop?"
Even if prices stabilise, solar locks in your energy costs. With 25+ year panel warranties and rising grid costs historically, the protection against volatility alone provides significant value.
"Why choose Spectrum over other installers?"
14+ years experience, MCS/NICEIC certified, and we handle complex installations others won't attempt—like three-storey buildings requiring specialist access equipment. We're also local to Nottingham.
"What's the actual investment required?"
Every system is bespoke, so costs vary. We provide detailed ROI projections showing payback period, annual savings, and 25-year returns—so you can make an informed decision with real numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most commercial solar installations take between 3-10 days depending on system size and complexity. This 35kW installation at Johns of Nottingham was completed in just 5 days, including all electrical work and commissioning. Larger systems or those with complex access requirements may take longer, but we always provide a clear timeline before work begins.
Flat roofs are excellent for commercial solar installations. Using ballasted mounting systems like Esdec, panels can be installed at optimal angles without penetrating the roof membrane—protecting your building's weatherproofing. We assess structural loading capacity, available space, and any shading issues during our free site survey to confirm suitability for your specific property.
Commercial solar payback periods typically range from 4-7 years depending on system size, your energy usage patterns, and current electricity costs. Johns of Nottingham achieved a 4.5-year payback period with their 35kW system. After payback, the system continues generating essentially free electricity for 25+ years, with panels typically retaining 80%+ efficiency even after 25 years.
Most commercial solar installations fall under permitted development rights and don't require planning permission. However, listed buildings, properties in conservation areas, and certain building types may need approval. We handle all planning checks and submit applications on your behalf as part of our service—you won't need to navigate the paperwork yourself.
Savings depend on your current electricity costs, system size, and how much solar energy you can use directly rather than exporting. Johns of Nottingham reduced their annual bills from £18,760 to £12,000—a 36% saving of £6,760 per year. Businesses with high daytime energy usage typically see the best returns. We provide personalised savings projections based on your actual bills during our free assessment.
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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.
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.
