Marlow Ropes have been manufacturing ropes from their UK factory in Hailsham for over 200 years.
They received a £25,000 grant from the Community Solar Accelerator to install 178 kW of solar PV on their south-facing pitched roof which is ideal for maximising the benefits of solar panels.
As manufacturing ropes is an energy intensive process, the solar installation is anticipated to provide around 40% of the business’s annual electricity requirements.
424 solar panels were installed on the roof but sparing out the skylights to still allow natural light into the factory. The solar array is expected to generate 187,800kWh electricity per year. This will provide a monetary saving of approximately £25k in the first year at current unit rates.
“In addition, the environmental benefits of reduced carbon emissions […] are of key importance as we look at ways to reduce our carbon footprint by 50% from 2019 levels. We hope to continue to be seen as a local business employer who cares about the environmental impact our activities have.” Jon Mitchell, MD
Solar Impact in Numbers
Size or Solar PV array: 178 kWp
Predicted production of electricity: 187,800kWh per year
Predicted cost savings: £25,000 in the first year
Return on Investment: 3-4 years
Grant Amount Received: £25,000
Expected lifetime of the solar PV system: 25-30 years
Carbon Reduction: 66 tonnes CO2e* per year
Date of install: May 2023
*CO2e calculated with conversion factor of 0.35156kg CO2e/kWh as confirmed with the managing authority.
