”Significant long term savings with a system designed for maximum efficiency and future scalability.
Silvercrest Energy Group successfully designed and installed a 50kWp commercial solar PV system for AquAid, helping the business reduce operational energy costs, improve energy resilience and protect against rising electricity prices.
Engineered to maximise the site’s excellent south-facing roof orientation and unshaded conditions, the system is expected to generate approximately 47,638kWh of renewable electricity each year. The installation provides long-term financial savings while supporting AquAid’s sustainability objectives and reducing reliance on grid electricity.
This project demonstrates how well-designed commercial solar can transform available roof space into a high-performing renewable energy asset with excellent long-term returns.
AquAid is a well-established UK supplier of drinking water solutions to businesses and organisations nationwide. Operating from commercial premises with consistent daytime electricity demand, the company was well positioned to benefit from on-site renewable energy generation that would reduce operating costs while supporting its long-term sustainability objectives.
Project
Commercial Solar Panel Installation
Client
AquAid
What We Did
Designed, supplied and installed a bespoke 50kWp commercial solar PV system, including site surveys, technical design, installation, commissioning and performance monitoring.
Performance and Energy Generation
The system was designed to maximise generation throughout the working day, closely matching AquAid’s operational energy demand. Excellent south-facing roof orientation and the absence of shading create ideal conditions for long-term renewable energy generation and system performance.
The installation is expected to generate significant long-term financial savings by reducing reliance on grid electricity and improving operational cost certainty. With projected lifetime savings exceeding £340,000, the investment provides both immediate and long-term business value.
The system was switched on and commissioned on the 20th March 2026.
Project Specification
| Client | AquAid |
| Sector | Commercial Unit |
| Location | Basildon, Essex |
| System Size | 50 kWp |
| Annual Generation | 47,638 kWh |
| Annual Savings | £12,861 |
| Lifetime Savings | £342,633 |
| Payback | 9 Years |
| Commissioned | March 2026 |
Financial Benefits
12,861.72
Annual financial savings
342,633.73
Projected Lifetime Savings
9
Estimated payback
9.5
Annual CO₂ Reduction
286
Lifetime CO₂ Reduction
Future Optimisation Opportunities
Battery storage could further improve system performance by storing surplus daytime generation for later use, reducing peak demand charges and enabling greater use of lower-cost off-peak electricity tariffs. Additional operational improvements, including daytime forklift charging and load shifting, would further increase self-consumption and maximise return on investment.
With these improvements in place:
- Potential payback period: reduced to 7.1 years
- Remaining savings period: 22.9 years
- Continued savings of £12,000+ annually
Key Outcomes
- High performance 50kWp solar PV system
- Estimated annual generation of 47,638kWh
- Annual savings of £12,861
- Projected lifetime savings exceeding £342,000
- Estimated payback of 9 years
- Future-ready for battery storage integration
Engineer's Insight
This project benefits from excellent south-facing orientation and virtually no shading, creating ideal conditions for high solar yields. Integrating commercial battery storage in the future would further increase self-consumption, improve energy resilience and significantly enhance overall return on investment.
Ready to Reduce Your Energy Costs?
Whether you operate a warehouse, office, manufacturing facility or commercial premises, Silvercrest Energy Group can design a bespoke renewable energy solution tailored to your business.
