”By transforming unused roof space into a renewable energy asset, this solar PV system is projected to save Baker Body Craft over £595,000 in electricity costs while achieving payback in approximately six years.
Silvercrest Energy Group designed and installed a 52.2kWp commercial solar PV system for Baker Body Craft, a leading accident repair centre in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. The bespoke rooftop installation was engineered to reduce operational energy costs, improve energy resilience and maximise the value of the site’s available roof space.
By generating renewable electricity on site, the system is projected to deliver significant long-term financial savings while reducing reliance on grid electricity and supporting the business’s sustainability objectives.
This project demonstrates how commercial properties with metal roof structures can successfully transform unused roof space into a valuable renewable energy asset.
Project
Commercial Solar PV Installation
Client
Baker Body Craft
What We Did
Designed, supplied and installed a bespoke 52.2kWp rooftop commercial solar PV system, including detailed site surveys, system design, engineering, installation, commissioning and performance monitoring to reduce energy costs and improve long-term operational efficiency.
The Client
Baker Body Craft is a leading accident repair and vehicle refinishing centre operating from a large commercial facility in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. Like many automotive repair businesses, the site has consistently high daytime electricity demand, making it ideally suited to commercial solar PV generation.
With rising electricity costs and an increasing focus on operational efficiency and sustainability, Baker Body Craft wanted a renewable energy solution that would reduce long-term operating costs, improve energy resilience and deliver measurable environmental benefits.
The Challenge
The project was designed to achieve several key objectives:
- Reduce long-term electricity expenditure.
- Increase on-site renewable energy generation.
- Reduce reliance on grid electricity and protect against future energy price volatility.
- Improve environmental performance and support long-term sustainability objectives.
- Maximise the value of the building’s available roof space.
As the property featured a large metal roof, the installation required a carefully engineered mounting solution that would maintain the integrity of the roof while providing a safe, fully compliant and high-performance commercial solar PV installation. Careful system design also ensured the array was optimised to maximise energy generation throughout the year.
Performance and Energy Generation
Following a comprehensive site survey and detailed energy assessment, Silvercrest Energy Group designed and installed a bespoke 52.2kWp commercial solar PV system tailored to Baker Body Craft’s energy profile, operational requirements and metal roof structure.
The system has been engineered to maximise on-site renewable energy generation during the business’s peak operating hours, reducing reliance on grid electricity while delivering long-term operational cost savings. By closely matching solar generation with daytime energy demand, the installation helps improve energy resilience and provides a strong long-term return on investment.
The system was successfully commissioned in February 2026 and is projected to generate approximately 48,128kWh of renewable electricity each year.
Project Specification
| Client | Baker Body Craft |
| Sector | Repair Centre |
| Location | Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk |
| System Size | 52.2 kWp |
| Annual Generation | 48,128 kWh |
| Annual Savings | £9,683 |
| Lifetime Savings | £595,013 |
| Payback | 6 Years |
| Commissioned | February 2026 |
Financial Benefits
9,683.18
Annual financial savings
595,013.27
Projected Lifetime Savings
6
Estimated payback
9.6
Annual CO₂ Reduction
288
Lifetime CO₂ Reduction
Installation Process
Installing commercial solar PV systems on metal roof structures requires specialist engineering expertise and mounting systems designed specifically for the roof profile. Following detailed structural and site assessments, Silvercrest Energy Group developed a bespoke installation strategy that ensured maximum system performance while protecting the integrity of the existing building.
The installation included:
- Specialist mounting systems designed for metal roof construction.
- Secure, non-penetrative fixing methods where appropriate.
- Full weatherproofing to maintain the roof’s integrity.
- Optimised panel layout to maximise annual energy generation.
- Compliance with all relevant UK electrical, structural and installation standards.
- Careful project planning to minimise disruption to daily business operations.
The project was delivered safely, efficiently and on schedule by Silvercrest Energy Group’s experienced commercial installation team, allowing Baker Body Craft to continue normal business operations throughout the installation.
Engineer's Insight
Baker Body Craft was an ideal candidate for commercial solar due to its consistent daytime electricity consumption and expansive metal roof structure. The key focus of this project was designing a mounting solution that maintained the integrity of the roof while maximising energy generation.
With an estimated payback period of around six years and projected lifetime savings approaching £600,000, this installation demonstrates how commercial solar can provide both immediate financial benefits and long-term energy security for energy-intensive businesses.
Partner with Silvercrest Energy Group
Every commercial property has different energy demands, operational requirements and sustainability objectives. Silvercrest Energy Group designs and delivers bespoke commercial solar PV systems that help organisations reduce operational energy costs, improve energy resilience and maximise long-term return on investment.
From initial feasibility studies and technical design through to installation, commissioning and ongoing operations and maintenance, our experienced engineering team manages every stage of your project, ensuring a seamless, fully compliant installation tailored to your business.
Whether you operate a manufacturing facility, warehouse, distribution centre, office, education campus or automotive repair centre, we can help you unlock the financial and environmental benefits of commercial solar.
