Solarcrown Commercial (SCC) is at the forefront of renewable energy design and installation, specialising in Solar PV and LED lighting solutions. With a keen focus on practicality and efficiency, SCC collaborated with Parfetts, a prominent cash & carry distributor, to develop sustainable practices across their extensive network of depots and independent retailers.
Parfetts operates eight cash & carry depots spanning the East and West Midlands, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, the North East, and North West. With an impressive inventory of over 9,000 products, Parfetts is known for industry-leading availability, value-driven promotions, and a convenient click-and-collect service.
Solar PV Installations at Regional Parfett Depots
SCC undertook the challenge of implementing solar PV installations across Parfett’s cash and carry depots. Noteworthy projects have been completed at Aintree, Anfield, Sheffield, and Stockport, with upcoming installations planned for Birmingham, Somercotes, and Middlesbrough. These initiatives have cumulatively generated 1.9 MWp, utilising over 4,000 solar panels, reducing 350 tonnes of carbon – equivalent to planting 15,000 trees or fuelling the energy needs for manufacturing 60 company vehicles.
Operating non-stop, Parfetts faced the challenge of installing Solar PV systems without disrupting their daily operations. In line with Parfetts’ commitment to supporting independent retailers, the main goal was to cut energy costs and enhance sustainability across their cash and carry depots. SCC closely collaborated with Parfetts to implement this ambitious project smoothly.
Executing the Solar PV installations required careful planning and collaboration between SCC and Parfetts. Both teams closely assessed depot layouts, energy consumption patterns, and potential solar energy generation to maximise space utilisation for deploying solar panels on the roof while minimising interference with ongoing operations.
With substantial Solar PV installations at regional depots in Anfield, Sheffield, and Stockport, SCC smoothly integrated the systems with existing electrical infrastructure, ensuring compatibility. Choosing these locations allowed SCC to refine its installation processes and gain insights for subsequent deployments.
Empowering Local Retailers
Parfetts has a network of over 1,000 independent retailers in its Symbol Group, making it the fastest-growing entity in the UK. This collective includes local independent stores affiliated with Go Local, The Local, and Go Local Extra store brands.
In a collaborative effort to embrace sustainable practices, Solarcrown Commercial (SCC) is actively engaged with Parfetts and the independent stores under the Symbol Group, working collectively to implement solar PV energy solutions. This strategic partnership underscores Parfetts’ commitment to fostering sustainability and highlights SCC’s dedication to providing renewable energy solutions to diverse local businesses.
The proprietor of Go Local Extra Hursthead Convenience store located in Cheadle Hulme, within the Borough of Stockport, is a key pioneer in this initiative. Collaborating closely with Parfetts, Solarcrown Commercial (SCC) took the first steps in this partnership by employing advanced blue sky reporting to assess the feasibility and potential for solar PV implementation at the Cheadle Hulme store. This innovative approach, using key technology and aerial surveys, allowed SCC, in conjunction with Parfetts, to thoroughly evaluate the suitability of the location for solar PV installations. This detailed analysis served as the foundation for the subsequent design and installation of 10 solar PV panels at the Cheadle Hulme Go Local Extra store, marking a significant stride toward sustainable energy practices within the local retail landscape.
The Go Local Extra store now generates 5.05 kwp of electricity, providing significant energy savings.
Potential Impact Across Symbol Group Stores
Through Parfetts’ network of local retail stores within the Symbol Group, SCC envisions substantial benefits, including:
- 5.6 MWp of solar energy generation
- 5.0 MWh of energy savings
- An impressive £1.5 million in savings annually
- Deployment of 11,000 solar panels
- Planting 29,000 trees
- Reduction of 700 tonnes of carbon emissions
SCC’s collaboration with Parfetts and its dedication to empowering independent retailers through solar PV installations exemplify a successful model for sustainable energy practices. Combining innovative solutions, meticulous planning, and strategic implementation showcases the potential for large-scale environmental impact and financial savings.