Thorlux Lighting factory roof covered with solar panels

Introduction

Thorlux Lighting, part of the FW Thorpe PLC group, designs, manufactures, and distributes professional lighting systems across the world, with global facilities in England, Australia, Germany, Ireland, and the UAE.

Industry

Lighting Manufacturer

Technology

Rooftop Solar PV

Location

Redditch, Worcestershire

Project Overview

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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Equivalent electricity rate

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Annual CO2 Savings (Tonnes)

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"The completion of the Thorlux headquarters installation is truly outstanding, with over 3,000 high-power panels. I am very proud of the result, and when I study my mobile app - which on a sunny day shows we are generating more electricity than we are using - I find it motivational and inspiring."

Michael Allcock

Group Chairman, FW Thorpe PLC

The Motivation

For decades, Thorlux Lighting has been at the forefront of the lighting industry, but in 2012, the company set its sights on an even brighter goal: carbon neutrality. Since this milestone, The FW Thorpe Group, parent company of Thorlux, has made significant strides toward becoming more energy efficient, cutting emissions through a variety of initiatives, including energy-saving measures and sourcing renewable energy. Now, with the growing threat of energy price hikes and an urgent need to combat climate change, Thorlux has set a bold target: Net Zero emissions by 2040.

 

 

The Ineco Solution

Taking the First Step Toward Solar
In 2019, Thorlux Lighting took its first step by installing a 250 kWp commercial solar PV system at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Redditch. But the results were so impressive that by 2021, the company sought to take its commitment even further. Rising energy costs and the desire for greater energy independence fuelled the decision to expand the solar footprint. The goal was clear: generate more clean energy on-site, reduce reliance on the grid, and pave the way toward a fully sustainable future.

Scaling Up
To meet Thorlux’s growing energy needs, lneco Energy was called upon to deliver a transformative solar solution. In 2022, the original 250 kWp system was removed, reinstalled at a sister company, and replaced with a cutting-edge 1,428 kWp solar PV system, featuring 3,138 high-performance panels.

Working closely with Thorlux and the National Grid, lneco’s team carefully designed a solution that maximised self-sufficiency while staying within the constraints of the local grid. They even upgraded the roof structure to support the new system, ensuring the long-term durability and effectiveness of the installation.

The new system, equipped with SolarEdge module-level optimisation, ensures superior performance, enhanced safety, and real-time monitoring. This innovative technology not only boosts energy output but also helps the team track every kilowatt of energy produced right from their mobile devices.

A Greener, Brighter Future
With solar energy now powering its operations, Thorlux Lighting is well on its way to achieving its Net Zero goal. This installation not only delivers impressive environmental benefits but also positions the company as a leader in sustainability within the lighting industry. It’s a win for both the planet and the bottom line.

The Benefits

The benefits were immediately clear. Thorlux now generates solar power at an incredibly low cost of just 4p/kWh, ensuring long-term financial savings and a reduced carbon footprint. In fact, this new solar system is projected to save over £350k annually, and £14m over the system's lifetime. The annual carbon savings of 266 tonnes will play a crucial role in helping the FW Thorpe Group achieve its Net Zero ambitions by 2040.

Solar Panels with rain drops and sunset

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