An investment in renewable energy is helping software solutions provider Ideagen shrink its carbon footprint by 30 tonnes of CO2 every year, with a potential five-figure saving on energy bills.
Last summer, Ideagen engaged Nottingham-based renewable energy firm, Geo Green Power, to install a 150kWp solar PV system at its prestigious head office in Ruddington. Consisting of 330 solar panels, the system has generated 18.23MWh of green renewable energy for the business so far.
Chief Strategy Officer, Emma Hayes, said, “As part of our overarching ESG strategy for the business, Ideagen has committed to reducing our carbon footprint using science-based targets. Our investment in solar panels will significantly reduce the scope 2 emissions associated with purchasing electricity from the grid.”
As a multi-national operation headquartered in the East Midlands, Ideagen is keen to work with local partners to support regional growth and success.
Hayes explained, “We like to work with companies in our community and our experience with Geo Green Power was great from start to finish. Even before any panels went on the roof there was a lot of background work that the team handled brilliantly.”
Geo Green Power Managing Director, James Cunningham, added, “The solar installation business has evolved significantly over the past 15 years, and recent energy price fluctuations have accelerated this shift.
“At the start of 2022, a newly installed commercial solar PV system typically had a payback period of 5-6 years. However, following the energy price spikes in early 2022, payback periods dropped to under 5 years. This was part of a larger surge in solar PV adoption, which saw a 365% increase in installations in the UK between June 2022 and June 2023 compared to the previous year.”
Cunningham explained that while energy prices have now stabilised, the industry’s advancements in system efficiency and output continue to shorten payback periods. Today, commercial solar installations are still benefiting from payback periods of around five years.
“In addition to these financial benefits, the significant reductions in CO2 emissions are increasingly important to organisations like Ideagen, who are prioritising sustainability in their operations,” Cunningham added.
Geo Green Power is a supporter of the current Government’s focus to expand rooftop solar and its target of 70GWp by 2035. Established in 2010, Geo Green Power specialises in installing solar PV, battery storage and heat pump technology. The company has worked with clients such as Toyota UK, Siemens Energy, JCB, Moto Services, Smeg, Volkswagen, and Mitchells & Butlers.
