Introduction
Greencore Homes specialises in creating climate-positive, low-carbon homes that lead the way in sustainable construction. At the heart of their innovation is the Biond panel, a cutting-edge closed timber frame system insulated with natural materials. By minimising the use of carbon-intensive materials such as cement, steel, and bricks, each superstructure they build absorbs more carbon than it emits.
Industry
Real Estate
Technology
Rooftop Solar PV
Location
Bicester, Oxfordshire
Solar Panels Installed
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System Size (kWp)
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Annual Generation (kWh)
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Payback Period (Years)
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Financial Savings (£)
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Annual CO2 Savings (Tonnes)
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The Motivation
Greencore Homes is dedicated to sustainability and reducing environmental impact. To further their commitment, they set a clear goal of lowering carbon emissions and cutting energy costs at their Bicester factory by generating their own renewable energy. As part of their ethos, they equip all the homes they build with solar PV systems and sought to bring the same green energy solutions to their office and factory. The solar PV installation was made possible through funding by SNRG, a renewable energy systems company, and installation by Ineco.
As part of their commitment to sustainability, Greencore Homes set a clear goal: reduce carbon emissions and cut energy costs at their factory in Bicester by generating renewable energy onsite. This ambition mirrors their practice of equipping every home they build with solar PV systems. They sought to bring the same eco-friendly energy solutions to their office and factory.
The Ineco Solution
Collaborative Effort
Greencore Homes’ sustainability goals required a collaborative approach. Working with SNRG, Ineco Energy, and their landlord, London Metric Property PLC (LMP), they overcame both logistical and financial hurdles.
SNRG provided funding for the solar PV system, meaning Greencore avoided upfront costs. In return, SNRG supplies the energy generated by the system to Greencore at a reduced rate, delivering both financial and environmental benefits.
Solar & Storage Solution
Ineco Energy designed and installed a bespoke solar PV system to meet the specific needs of Greencore’s factory and office. The installation includes:
Overcoming Grid Challenges
Despite obstacles like local grid restrictions, roof remedial works and installing solar panels on a leased property, the project succeeded. For instance, the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) set a 137 kW export limit, which could have capped the system’s output. However, the design accounted for these constraints to ensure optimal energy efficiency.
The project delivers significant environmental and financial advantages, including:
• Reduced carbon footprint: By generating renewable energy onsite, Greencore reinforces its mission to create climate-positive homes.
• Lower energy costs: With access to renewable energy at a discounted rate, Greencore saves 18% annually on electricity bills without needing upfront investment saving £500k over the life of the system.
• Energy independence: Solar & Battery storage enhances Greencore’s ability to generate their own power and then use energy efficiently, reducing reliance on the grid and providing resilience against fluctuating energy prices.
• Collaborative success: The project highlights the power of partnerships between tenants, landlords, and renewable energy stakeholders, offering a model for similar initiatives in commercial and industrial settings.
By combining innovation with collaboration, Greencore Homes has taken another step toward its vision of a sustainable future.
