GOING GREEN

Powering the future: Diespeker invests in solar energy for a greener tomorrow

Diespeker has taken another important step in our journey towards greater sustainability, after signing up for a solar PV installation at our South London premises.

The installation team from Electrical Ventilation Renewables Ltd (EVR) installed the system ready for use in late March with perfect timing to make use of Spring sunlight.

Various options for the solar array were discussed, before Diespeker decided on a 103kW system, comprising 234 JA panels at 440W each, and 3-phase Fox ESS inverters.

Whilst the office roof was initially identified as ideal for the solar panels, it made sense to also make use of the factory roof. This was re-roofed to enable installation of the panels. An added benefit of this work was to improve insulation in the factory.

This means that all our available roof space, bar the roof lights which provide natural light for the offices, is now being utilised for electricity generation.

With each of Diespeker’s four big factory machines using about 7kW, on sunnier days the panels are generating more than enough to supply the premises, with electricity to spare.

At this point, due to the consumption of electricity by the factory no battery storage is being included. EVR will revisit the export potential once the system has been active for 6 to 12 months and add batteries if this is a viable option.

MCS accredited EVR was an ideal choice for Diespeker. The company has been running for 15 years and is based in Romsey, Hampshire. Importantly, EVR’s operation is entirely in-house, including the scaffolding, so there is total control over each project the company undertakes. The Directors are electricians and engineers by trade, so the company, like Diespeker, is run by those with a complete understanding of the needs of each project.

The solar PV installation value is approximately £67K, excluding the new factory roof, representing another significant investment by Diespeker into improving its green credentials and futureproofing the business.

Diespeker MD John Krause says: “We’ve never hidden the fact that our industry struggles with its environmental impact – but it’s important that we do as much as we can. I’m thrilled we’re taking this step with solar PV and Diespeker is delighted to be working with EVR.”

With the installation of the system, Diespeker will be reducing 22 tons of CO2 emissions every year. This is equivalent to:

4,924 trees planted every year
667,883 km of car journeys avoided every year
478 long haul flights avoided every year

With other initiatives including water recycling in the factory, the recent introduction of chemical-free biopolymer Durabella, our Rubblazzo material made from salvaged rubble, and our MD’s personal commitment to being a car-free commuter, either running or cycling to work from his home in Wimbledon, Diespeker continues to make impressive inroads in sustainable aims.