Work Begins on Major Rooftop Solar Installation Across Refresco Sites

What happened

Refresco has begun installing rooftop solar panels with a total capacity of 21.5MWp at four of its UK manufacturing facilities. According to Roofing Today, the largest installation is an 8.5MWp system at the company's Bridgwater site. This single-roof array is expected to become the biggest of its kind in the UK, using more than 18,000 solar modules. The Bridgwater project aims to generate approximately 7.5GWh of electricity each year, supplying about 17% of the site's annual power needs.

Refresco selected GB NRG to design, engineer, and deliver the four-site programme. GB NRG secured Zestec Renewable Energy as the funding and long-term management partner for the portfolio. The financial backing comes from Power Purchase Agreements supported by funds managed by Octopus Energy Generation. The installation at Bridgwater is already underway, with work taking place around the factory's continuous production schedule.

The background

Refresco states that this investment supports its objective to reduce the environmental impact of its manufacturing operations by generating more renewable electricity on site. The move is also intended to enhance the company's long-term energy security and support customer sustainability objectives.

In the wider context, the programme is described as one of the UK's largest commercial and industrial solar deployments to date. Refresco says it undertook a competitive procurement exercise involving twelve solar providers before appointing GB NRG as the delivery partner. The chosen solution needed to minimise disruption to 24/7 production, maintain the integrity of factory roofing, and ensure high health and safety standards during construction.

The developers claim this project demonstrates the potential for using large, previously unoccupied roof areas as a significant energy resource in the manufacturing sector. According to the reporting, GB NRG has spent 16 years building up expertise in this field.

The Power Purchase Agreements used in the deal allow Refresco to access renewable electricity on site without upfront capital investment, with Zestec taking responsibility for long-term funding and asset management.

What people are saying

James Logan, Managing Director of Refresco UK, told Roofing Today that reducing manufacturing emissions is central to the company's long-term strategy. He said the solar programme is expected to help maintain the “scale, efficiency and reliability our customers expect” and contribute to customer and supply chain sustainability efforts. Logan noted the operational challenges of working on a live site and said the design accounts for uninterrupted production, roof protection and safety.

Jon Antoniou, GB NRG CEO, described the Bridgwater installation as “exceptional” due to its size, and said being chosen after a competitive process with twelve providers was a “major endorsement” of GB NRG's team. Antoniou claimed the total 21.5MWp to be delivered across the four sites represents a significant step for the company.

Toby Smith, COO at Zestec Renewable Energy, said the programme “demonstrates what can be achieved” by combining an ambitious client, a capable delivery partner, and long-term investment. Smith stressed that large-scale rooftop solar helps make productive use of building roofs, reduces grid dependency, and allows progress on sustainability goals without the need for upfront outlay.

The numbers

The largest system, at Bridgwater, will comprise more than 18,000 high-efficiency modules. It is planned to generate about 7.5GWh a year, supplying around 17% of the site's power. In total, all four factories will host rooftop panels generating a combined 21.5MWp. According to the partners, the flagship system is already being installed. Delivery is managed under long-term agreements to ensure financing and management over the asset lifespan.

What happens next

Installation work is proceeding at Bridgwater and across the selected sites, with careful measures in place to prevent any loss of production at the 24/7 manufacturing facilities. GB NRG and Refresco have planned construction to safeguard roof integrity and sustain high safety standards. Once completed, the systems will be operated and financially managed by Zestec under Power Purchase Agreements. Refresco is aiming to increase on-site renewable power and cut reliance on grid electricity as soon as the new panels become operational. No completion date has been given in the reporting.