Challenge
Portico imports more than half a million tonnes of produce each year for the nation’s five-a-day. They chose us to install the 4,500-panel array on three of the refrigeration warehouses, within its 22-acre site.
Portico are responsible for handling 95 per cent of the UK’s bananas. In order to power their operations and large commercial cold stores, their energy requirements are naturally large. That’s why Portico approached us to find a modern solution through the use of renewable energy technology to help them meet their high energy demands.
Fortunately, we were able to draw on our vast experience of delivering commercial projects for customers working in busy, fast-paced industries. As a result, we devised a solution that would get the panels fitted and up-and-running quickly, with minimal disruption to their day-to-day operations.
Our Solution
Due to the high productivity targets of the business, it was essential for the system to be installed without unsettling Portico’s operations. So, the work was carried out by a 10-man team of electricians and installers without scaffolding, 15-metres above the ground. To complete the project, they used highly skilled rope-access techniques, scissor lifts and demarcation markers to complete the work within six weeks, without disrupting the company’s 24/7 operation.
As the building has more than 18,500 pallets of FMCGs being stored at once and with dozens of forklifts and vehicles moving in and out, it would have been impossible to use scaffolding on this job. Planning in downtime also wasn’t an option for a company like Portico.
The Result
Now up-and-running, the 7,000sqm system is generating 3,000 kWh per day on average. Thanks to the location in Hampshire, one of the sunniest parts of the UK, the panels could save Portico more 600 tonnes in CO2 emissions over a whole year.
The finished system is enormous, and so the company didn’t have to wait for it to deliver impressive savings. It generated more than 2 MW in power in one day in the winter months, which gives some perspective on how well it can perform at optimum levels in the summer.
The growth of Portico has helped Portsmouth to become one of the largest fruit-handling ports in the UK. Now, with this latest renewables project, it’s also one of the greenest.
Click here to find out more about our solar panels for transport and logistics companies.