Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham has installed a brand new solar panel system to help the venue reduce its carbon footprint and energy bills.

The new facility takes the popular city center location a big step closer to achieving the net zero goal, providing renewable heating, lighting and air conditioning in common areas.

509 solar panels have been installed on the roofs of five of the buildings in The Brewery Quarter, which will provide up to 200,000 kWh of renewable energy each year and also save around 138 tonnes of carbon emissions – with 15 batteries to store excess energy produced during the day and provides energy during the night.

As well as carbon savings equivalent to taking 30 cars off the road, the installation is expected to save the venue around £50,000 on annual energy bills.

The system was designed and installed by Bath-based Your Eco using SolarEdge technology to maximize energy production; mitigating the impact of dirt and shading; ensure safety in a crowded place; and provide built-in features that reduce stresses to safe-to-touch levels to facilitate access to the roof for maintenance or in an emergency.

The installation was funded by leading rural insurer NFU Mutual, which owns The Brewery Quarter, and facilitated by asset management company Martin Commercial Properties, which manages the centre.

Asset Manager for NFU Mutual, Bryony Plain-Jones, said: “As an owner, we are delighted to be taking this significant step towards improving sustainability. This investment in solar energy not only aligns with our values ​​as a responsible property owner, but also contributes to the long-term viability and resilience of the development.

“We are proud to support initiatives that prioritize environmental conservation and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the local community.”

Martin Commercial Properties Operations Manager Rob Howse added: “As a company, we are focused on reducing the environmental impact of both our own operation and our customers – a commitment which has recently seen us achieve certification as Carbon Neutral. Business of Carbon Neutral Britain.

“By harnessing the power of solar energy, business operators can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future for local communities. We believe The Brewery Quarter has set a positive example for other developments to follow.