Project Overview: Solar Installation at Golden Manor Nursery

Client: Golden Manor Nursery
Location: Pembroke, Pembrokeshire
Funding: 50% Grant funded via Pembrokeshire County Council’s ‘Carbon Reduction Grant’

Golden Manor Nursery, established in 2007, is a purpose-built facility offering an enriching learning environment for young children. The nursery is set within 2.2 acres of land, providing various outdoor play opportunities including a small woodland, large castle with a slide, vegetable garden, bike and trike area, willow walk, climbing equipment, and more.

Golden Manor is a leading institution in the childcare sector, consistently recognised for its outstanding care and educational services. As part of its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, the nursery sought to implement green initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and create a more environmentally conscious environment for both staff and children.

Project Aim
The aim of this solar installation project was to enhance the nursery’s sustainability efforts, in line with its mindful ethos toward environmental responsibility. The solar panels were selected as one of many steps to reduce electricity consumption and encourage the use of renewable energy sources. The nursery already benefits from an electric vehicle (EV) charger, with plans to expand its use to promote the adoption of electric vehicles among staff and visitors. Additionally, the nursery’s grounds are an ongoing project to produce its own fruit and vegetables, further reducing reliance on external suppliers.

Solar PV System Overview

• Mounting System: Clenergy flat roof mounting system with wind deflectors
• Installation Type: No penetration ballast mounting system
• Inverters: 2 x 15kW 3-phase hybrid inverters
• Batteries: 8 x 5.8kWh triple power Solax batteries
• Fire Safety: Smoke detector integrated into the existing fire alarm system
• Panels: 72 x 20W Peimar all-black solar panels

Key Benefits

• Return on Investment (ROI): Achieved in 3 years and 5 months
• CO2 Reduction: 6 tonnes of CO2 saved annually
• Electricity Savings: Reduced grid electricity consumption by 84%
• Winter Benefits: Opportunity to charge batteries on a discounted tariff during the colder months

The significant savings on electricity from the Solar PV system are enabling Golden Manor Nursery to allocate funds towards further sustainable initiatives, such as expanding its local food production and creating new job opportunities within the community. These efforts contribute to the overall aim of providing a warm, comfortable environment for children, especially during the colder winter months.

Director’s Statement

“The return on investment for this project has been particularly satisfying, especially considering the partial grant funding. It has proven to be a highly beneficial investment for our client. Working on a project like this is immensely rewarding, both from a technical perspective and from the satisfaction of delivering a solution that aligns with our client’s sustainability goals. Our team’s expertise and ability to address challenges, such as working with an older flat roof, provided peace of mind for Golden Manor. It was a privilege to collaborate with such a prestigious organisation.”