Saved per year
£1.8m
508 Tonnes
CO2 saved per year
2.51 MW
System capacity
“We are proud to partner with Eden Sustainable and Solar Solutions in this transformative endeavour, reaffirming our commitment to environmental stewardship and reducing our environmental impact. This innovative solar project aligns with our company's core values, demonstrating that business and sustainability can go hand in hand for the benefit of the planet and our stakeholders. ”
Mr Vincent Morris
Property Director, Uniserve
Solar Powering the UK’s Largest Independent Logistics Provider
Uniserve, the UK’s largest privately owned logistics and global trade management provider, is no stranger to complex operations. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, Uniserve partnered with Eden Sustainable to install a high-capacity solar PV system at one of its flagship cold storage and warehousing facilities. The project not only supports Uniserve’s environmental goals but also demonstrates how renewable energy can be integrated into even the most demanding operational environments.
Why Solar?
As a logistics leader, Uniserve is acutely aware of the environmental impact of large-scale warehousing and cold storage. With rising energy costs and increasing pressure to decarbonise, solar energy offered a compelling solution, reducing emissions, stabilising energy costs, and reinforcing Uniserve’s commitment to responsible business practices.
The installation of a 2.5 MWp solar array was a strategic move to reduce reliance on grid electricity and contribute to long-term sustainability targets.
Challenges on the ground
This project was far from straightforward. Eden Sustainable faced a series of significant challenges during the installation:
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Winter Construction: The project took place during the heart of winter, with snow, high winds, and freezing temperatures making rooftop work particularly hazardous.
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Cold Storage Constraints: As a live cold storage facility, the site could not afford any downtime. Commissioning the system without interrupting the power supply required meticulous planning and execution.
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Complex DNO Requirements: The system had to comply with a 200kWp export limitation, requiring a sophisticated Distribution Network Operator (DNO) setup and coordination.
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High-Access Installation: The roof was over 25 metres high, necessitating the use of a tower platform and working at extreme heights, conditions not for the faint-hearted.
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Night Work: To avoid disrupting operations, Eden’s team worked through the night to complete critical phases of the installation and commissioning.
Overcoming the obstacles
Eden Sustainable’s experienced delivery team rose to the challenge with a combination of technical expertise, flexibility, and sheer determination:
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Weather-Resilient Planning: Installation schedules were adapted daily to accommodate weather windows, ensuring safety without compromising progress.
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Zero-Downtime Commissioning: A phased commissioning strategy was developed to bring the system online without interrupting the facility’s power supply.
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DNO Coordination: Eden’s in-house grid specialists worked closely with the DNO to deliver a compliant and future-ready export-limited system.
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Specialist Access Equipment: The team deployed a 25m tower platform and adhered to strict safety protocols to manage the high-access installation.
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Round-the-Clock Commitment: Night shifts ensured that Uniserve’s operations continued uninterrupted while the solar system was brought online.
The Result
Despite the challenges, the project was delivered on time and to specification. The solar array is now generating clean, renewable energy, helping Uniserve reduce its carbon footprint and operational costs while enhancing energy resilience.
A Partnership Built on Trust and Delivery
This project exemplifies Eden Sustainable’s ability to deliver complex solar installations in live, high-demand environments. For Uniserve, it marks another step forward in building a greener, more sustainable logistics network.