Three years after commissioning, the commercial solar PV installation at Orsett Golf Club continues to deliver exceptional operational and financial performance. Designed and installed by Silvercrest Energy Group in July 2022, the 43.70kWp SolarEdge system has consistently generated clean, renewable electricity, helping the club reduce operational energy costs while lowering reliance on grid electricity.
The project demonstrates the long-term value of commercial solar, with real-world performance closely matching design expectations and delivering measurable financial and environmental benefits.
Project
Commercial Solar PV Installation
Client
Orsett Golf Club
The Client
Founded in 1899, Orsett Golf Club is one of Essex’s most established private members’ golf clubs. Operating a busy clubhouse and golf course throughout the year, the club has consistent daytime electricity demand, making it well suited to commercial solar PV generation.
The club wanted to reduce operational energy costs, improve energy resilience and demonstrate its commitment to environmental sustainability through investment in renewable energy.
The installation has now generated more than 132MWh of renewable electricity since commissioning, averaging approximately 44MWh per year.
Key performance figures include:
- Total Renewable Electricity Generated: 132MWh
- Average Daily Generation: 120.54kWh
- Average Annual Generation: 44MWh
- Electricity Demand Offset: More than one-third of the club’s annual electricity consumption
The system continues to perform in line with the original design forecasts, providing reliable on-site renewable energy throughout the year.
Three-Year System Performance
Financial Impact
8099.73
Year One Savings
8669.95
Year Two Savings
9280.31
Year Three Savings
9933.65
Year Three Savings
Financial Highlights
- Estimated Payback Period: 5 Years
- Return on Investment: 872.17%
- Average Daily Savings: £92.40
The increasing annual savings demonstrate the long-term financial value of commercial solar, helping the club improve budget certainty while reducing exposure to rising electricity costs.
Environmental Performance
The installation continues to make a measurable contribution towards the club’s sustainability objectives.
- Renewable Electricity Generated: 132MWh
- Estimated CO₂ Reduction: Over 12 tonnes
- Reduced Reliance on Grid Electricity: More than one-third of annual demand
Future Optimisation Opportunities
While the system continues to perform exceptionally well, further opportunities exist to increase self-consumption and maximise return on investment.
Potential future enhancements include:
- Commercial Battery Storage to store surplus solar generation for use during evenings and periods of peak demand.
- Additional Solar PV Capacity to further reduce reliance on imported electricity and increase on-site renewable energy generation.
Engineer's Insight
This project demonstrates the long-term reliability and financial performance that can be achieved through careful commercial solar system design. Three years after commissioning, the installation continues to generate renewable electricity in line with original performance forecasts while delivering increasing financial returns. Future battery storage integration would further improve energy resilience by increasing self-consumption and reducing dependence on the grid.
Ready to Reduce Your Organisation's Energy Costs?
Whether you operate a golf club, leisure facility, hospitality venue or commercial premises, Silvercrest Energy Group can design a bespoke commercial solar PV solution tailored to your energy requirements and long-term business objectives.
