R-Tech Materials

R-Tech was considering refurbishing its offices due to outdated, inefficient lighting that was beginning to fail. During this time, they became aware of the Carbon Trust’s Green Business Fund, which offered grant funding for energy efficiency projects. R-Tech approached Ineco Energy with the goal of achieving significant energy and carbon savings through the installation of LED lighting and solar PV panels at Testing House.

Comprehensive Energy Upgrade

Ineco Energy identified an opportunity to not only upgrade the existing lighting system to LED but also to install solar panels on the roof. This dual approach aligned perfectly with the R-Tech’s objectives of reducing energy consumption, lowering operational costs, and improving sustainability.

LED Lighting Upgrade

A detailed survey of the office space revealed that several halogen lights were broken, leading to poor light levels. To address this, our surveyors conducted a thorough assessment, capturing room dimensions and asset tagging each fitting. This allowed our team to design a bespoke lighting solution tailored to the diverse needs of different spaces, such as corridors and testing labs, in compliance with CIBSE guidelines.

By selecting high-quality, UK-manufactured LED fittings, we were able to reduce the total number of light fittings by a third while significantly improving illumination. This upgrade not only enhanced the working environment but also ensured long-term energy efficiency.

Solar PV Installation

While the initial focus was on LED lighting, the business case for solar PV presented a compelling opportunity that the client could not overlook. Given the site’s location in South Wales, an area benefiting from some of the highest levels of solar irradiance in the UK, solar panels provided an optimal solution for generating cleaner, cheaper electricity.

The solar system was designed to maximise on-site energy consumption, ensuring the business could benefit from locally generated power from their own roof. Trina Solar panels were installed on the south-facing roof, feeding into a Fronius string inverter connected to the building’s electricity supply. This system effectively complemented the LED lighting upgrade, as solar PV generates the most energy in summer while LED lighting demand peaks during winter, creating a balanced and efficient energy saving solution.