Roofing and solar provider Forster Group was appointed by Priority Care to install 280 solar panels at two of its Dundee care homes. Bruce Raffell, commercial director at Forster Group, tells Project Scotland about the work and explains what factors commercial organisations should consider when deciding if solar PV is right for them.
Q) Can you provide an overview of your work with Priority Care to install solar panels?
A) Priority Care contracted Forster Group to install solar PV at two of their sites in Dundee, Harestane Care Home and St Columba’s Care Home, with a view to potentially cover more sites in the future. Harestane has recently been completed with the installation of a 144 module (59.32kWp) in-roof solar PV system, while St Columba’s is due to commence in January 2024 with the installation of a 136 module (57.12kWp) on-roof solar PV system.
From our discussions with the team at Priority Care, it’s clear that their team goes above and beyond to provide high quality care for their residents which aligns closely with our own people-focused values.
Q) Is the care sector increasingly embracing solar power? If so, what is driving that?
A) Our work with Priority Care confirms that interest in solar PV installation for care homes is increasing, however the sector could benefit heavily from solar PV and there are still many companies out there who could embrace solar power and take control of their energy usage.
Care homes often have high amounts of energy usage that is constant throughout the day and night to ensure they are kept as comfortable as possible. With the UK currently experiencing noticeable energy price jumps, care homes could offset this rise in costs with the installation of a solar PV system and benefit from significant energy cost savings.
Q) What considerations should commercial organisations take into account when deciding if solar panels are right for them?
A) Decisions on whether solar PV would be right for a commercial organisation are plentiful, the main consideration being the consumption of the building (how much energy they use) as well as their consumption profile. For example, a premises with a heavy evening usage profile and very little daytime consumption would not benefit from a solar installation alone, similar to those who have a large winter usage and consume very little in summer.
Through our tailored design phase we find that those with less daytime consumption could however, still benefit from a solar PV and battery installation or make use of the Smart Export Guarantee. With this in mind, we use our design phase to carefully explore the options and advise our customers as to whether solar PV is the best solution for them and how it will best support their goals.
Other considerations to take into account include the size of the installation required, whether the client is likely to be approved by the DNO without costly network upgrades, and which solar PV components manufacturers would be the best fit for their demands. As well as many more technical considerations, such as whether the incoming supply can support the installation.
Finally, the health and safety aspect of installing the system must be considered as well as that of future maintenance. It is important to consider how easily the roof can be accessed and the extent of fall protection which would be required by installers. The roof material may also dictate whether the system will be viable, as well as dictating the fixing method used. We pride ourselves on delivering a first class service to all of our clients for which the health and safety of our installers and the public is always our top priority.
Q) When did Forster Group get involved with solar and how has that arm of the business grown since then? Do you see further opportunities to expand in the near future?
A) Forster Group added Solar PV installation to its services back in 2009 and due to our integrated approach, we see it as being a streamlined part of every roof rather than something that is added. Since then, we have been a champion of solar energy in Scotland and the UK. This has led to us becoming an influential voice and innovator for how renewable energy, in particular solar, can be integrated into the built environment, and its role in building energy-efficient homes and businesses faster, safer, and to a higher standard, while delivering an affordable, just-transition to net zero.
In the last six years, we have installed solar PV systems on over 6,000 new build homes, with a carbon reduction of 1,500+ tonnes CO2e annually, complementing our commercial energy division’s annual carbon saving to date of 3,000+ tonnes CO2e. This contributes to the national net zero goals and leads to a greener, cleaner environment both locally and nationally. Looking ahead, we’re committed to continue being an influential voice within the solar energy sector.
Q) What services do you offer when it comes to solar, in terms of planning and advice, the actual installation itself, and maintenance and aftercare?
A) We provide all our clients with the information they require regarding their installation. While the technical and commercial side lies at the forefront of our services, we also offer key advice on subjects such as planning and financing projects.
Forster Group has a great reputation within the solar sector and a wealth of contacts who add value to our day-to-day expertise. We also have various contracted consultants who assist with queries ranging from technical, commercial, and health and safety. We ensure that clients are consulted every step of the way during the install whilst also ensuring the process is as smooth and non-intrusive as possible.
Furthering our dedication to go above and beyond for our customers, maintenance and aftercare is highly important to us. Despite solar requiring very little maintenance due to being a static generation method, external factors can sometimes bring challenges over time. We always consider this during the design stage and advise clients accordingly. However, if something does happen outwith our control, such as extreme weather conditions causing damage to the panels, we are always on hand to fix it.
All our systems use high quality products from a range of manufacturers who provide lengthy warranties. This gives our clients peace of mind that on the off chance any issues arise with our products, they are fully covered. Our team at Forster Group is highly invested in ensuring that we always stay up to date with the latest innovations and continue to use manufacturers that achieve our high standards.
In addition, we are always on hand in the office to answer any technical queries a client may have at any point, regardless of the length of time since their install.
