Success Stories Brandon Forest Academy Brandon Forest Academy Brandon Forest School was looking to significantly reduce their carbon footprint, whilst inspiring their students, with the installation of solar panels. Project Value: Circa £45k Services: Renewable Energy DPL Group’s installation of renewable energy works at Brandon Forest School DPL Group was invited by Flamestone (thanks to an established successful relationship) to tender for a project at Brandon Forest Primary School, part of Brandon Forest Academy. The project entailed the installation of solar panels as part of an ongoing initiative by the client to embrace solar energy, and other renewable and sustainable infrastructure and operational solutions, in a bid to reduce its carbon footprint. Brandon Forest Primary School is situated in Brandon, Suffolk. It has 436 students from ages 3-11, with a student-teacher ratio of 21:1. The school strives to harbour a nurturing environment dedicated to fostering a love for learning, instilling strong values, and providing a safe and supportive haven for all children. Rooted in the philosophy of “Learning for Life”, the school is committed to delivering the best possible education and care for each child who enters its doors. Their mission is founded on five clear aims that ensure children are ready to learn, resourceful, reflective, resilient and reciprocal. The school was looking to future-proof its finances and reduce its carbon footprint, with the installation of solar panels. DPL completed the solar panel installation, which consisted of two solar systems of 50 modules and 54 modules (OSDA ODA380-30V-MH) providing a total capacity of 39.52 kW, installed over two buildings. One of the systems for the Wildflower building and the other for the Main building. Each system featured a Solis-20K inverter, with a combined covering of PV Generator Surface of 189.5 m^2. The payback period was estimated at 5.8 years, with a project value of circa £45,000. The project was scoped and sized according to the exacting needs of the school, working to a tight budget and within very specific timeframes and requirements. Challenges The project required starting the design from scratch, and given the educational setting, DPL needed to be cooperative with timing – scheduling work during weekends and term holidays so as not to disrupt learning. Additionally, prior to any works, damage to part of the roof was identified. Our team decided to rectify the damage by replacing roof slates as an act of goodwill to further support the school with its environmental initiative. Over 20 years in buildings infrastructure Name any industry, sector or type of building and we’ll have provided design, build and maintenance services for its power, light, heating, cooling, data, safety and security systems. And with concerns rising around costs and environmental impact, you’ll benefit from our expertise in greater efficiency and renewable energy sources. Speak to an expert Result DPL’s proactive approach ensured a successful solar panel installation while addressing challenges with flexibility and effective problem-solving. The project has had a resounding and lasting impact on the efficiency and sustainability of the premises, harnessing energy from the sun and enabling Brandon Forest Primary School to actively contribute to a cleaner and greener future. The school has now significantly reduced its carbon footprint, and the installation, divided into two systems for the Main Building (20.52 kWp) and The Wildflower Building (19 kWp), achieved a total CO2 emissions reduction of 8,277 kg/year. However, most important, is the impact the project has had on the next generation, opening their minds to the possibilities of renewable energy and the innovative solutions it can provide for a sustainable future. The client has reported that the practical exposure to the project has sparked a notable interest in environmental issues, along with cornerstone subjects in the curriculum, including science, technology, engineering and mathematics. “The decision to embrace solar energy has had a positive impact on our students, staff, and the environment as a whole. First and foremost, the installation of solar panels has allowed our school to significantly reduce its carbon footprint. By harnessing the power of the sun, we are actively contributing to a cleaner and greener future. This initiative has not only educated our students about the importance of renewable energy but has also empowered them to become environmental stewards in their own right. The service provided by Nic, Dale and the team was outstanding from start to finish and we would definitely recommend using them for your renewable energy contract.” Naimi White, Office Manager Working on the project A group of passionate individuals all working towards the same goal: delivering excellence for clients in all aspects of building systems installation. From large-scale commercial, corporate and manufacturing premises through to high street retail and domestic properties of all sizes, we’ll have dealt with it before. See the whole team Find out about careers at DPL Nic Evans Renewable Energy Manager Nic Evans Renewable Energy Manager When did you start working for DPL? – January 2022 What are three key responsibilities within your job role? – To provide our clients with the best advice Accurately specify works to keep the costs down for our customers whilst protecting the company’s interests To support my colleagues across the business where we have multi-discipline enquiries. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of? – Built client confidence which led to securing a £2.6m order with a prestigious brand. What do you enjoy most about working for DPL? – Every day is different and I have the pleasure of working with a great bunch of people. The company provides everyone with opportunities for personal growth and development, which is invaluable. Dale Lambert Solar PV Contracts Manager Dale Lambert Solar PV Contracts Manager When did you start working for DPL? – March 2008 What are three responsibilities within your job role? – Managing the day to day activities within the Solar department. Supervising domestic and commercial installations. Certification and handover of all solar installations. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of? – Becoming a leader within a large department responsible for all solar installations. What do you enjoy most about working for DPL? – I really enjoy being part of the large operation DPL have become. Although they have grown significantly during my time here, I still feel the company holds their traditional values. Building excellence from the ground up Success Stories Success Stories Perrywood Garden Centre DPL designed and fitted solar PV systems at two locations to maximise the contribution towards Perrywood Garden Centre’s electric consumption. Success Stories Mediterranean Shipping Company DPL Group designed and installed solar PV systems at three buildings on-site for the Mediterranean Shipping Company Optimise your building’s systems Get in touch to speak to an expert about your service or sector needs. Simply complete the contact form and one of our specialists will be in touch shortly. DPL Group Ltd. Units 2 – 4 Greenwich Business Park Greenwich Close, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 0DD T: 01473 253 350 E: info@dpl-group.co.uk "*" indicates required fields 1. I am interested inI am interested in*General EnquiryCareersCommercial Solar PVDesign & Build Contract ServiceDomestic Solar PVElectricalEnergy Efficient Lighting & Emergency LightingEV ChargingFacilities MaintenanceFire & SecurityInstallLocal Authority Solar PVMechanical2. Personal DetailsFirst name* Last name* Company Email address* Phone number3. 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