Centrica Business Solutions has successfully completed a bespoke solar farm for Carpenter Ltd, a Glossop based manufacturer, overcoming significant terrain challenges to help the business take a major step towards a sustainable future.
Built on a 14.62% sloped bank - a location once considered unsuitable for development - the project required careful planning, specialist machinery, and adaptive engineering techniques to ensure safe, efficient installation in mud‑heavy winter months. Most solar farms are installed on flat ground; this project demanded a fully customised approach.
The new solar array comprises 1,666 panels generating 1,025 MWh of renewable energy per year. This will help Carpenter Ltd cut carbon emissions by 116,150 kg CO₂ in the first year alone, reduce energy costs, and strengthen local economic resilience by supporting sustainable manufacturing jobs in the region.
“This project demonstrates our commitment to helping businesses reach their sustainability goals - no matter the obstacles,” said Colin Brown – Director of UK&I Services Operations - Centrica Business Solutions. “Turning a steep, previously unusable bank into a productive clean‑energy site required significant expertise and collaboration. We’re proud to help Carpenter Ltd transition to greener operations in a way that supports the local community.”
Centrica Business Solutions worked closely with Carpenter Ltd - a leading producer of foam products including mattresses, carpet underlay and tyre fillings - to identify the right location after roof‑mounting was ruled out due to essential ventilation pathways. The unique ground‑mount site not only unlocks renewable energy but also preserves operational requirements.
As part of the development, Centrica is also supporting Carpenter Ltd in delivering a 10% biodiversity net gain, in line with government expectations for all solar installations.
“We extend our sincere thanks to Centrica Business Solutions and its partner, Push Power, for their exemplary professionalism in delivering an impressive solar park on a highly challenging hillside site. This investment significantly reduces our carbon footprint and helps to reinforce the Company’s commitment to a more sustainable future.” – Alan Hibbert, Divisional Manager of Carpenter Ltd.
The project was delivered in partnership with Push Power, Centrica’s solar EPC specialist. Push Power’s expertise in complex ground‑mount installations played a crucial role in optimising the steep terrain and managing construction safely in difficult weather conditions.
Andy Khan, Managing Director of Push Power Ltd commented: "Every Push Power project is custom-designed to meet the unique needs, budgets and goals of the end user. Working closely with Centrica Business Solutions and Carpenter Ltd, Push Power delivered a premium, investment-grade solar power solution on a complex site, overcoming challenging terrain, demanding safety requirements and testing weather conditions. Our goal is to provide a bespoke end-product capable of upholding the client’s energy efficiency goals, minimising their carbon footprint and significantly reducing their overall energy costs."
The project represents Centrica's broader mission to create a greener, fairer future by making renewable energy accessible to businesses of all sizes, even in challenging locations.
About Centrica Business Solutions
Centrica Business Solutions helps organisations to balance the demands of planet and profit.
We build, operate and maintain onsite, large-scale energy assets including Solar PV, Heat Pumps and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) – to help organisations to decarbonise and save money.
We also help organisations to define an actionable pathway of decarbonisation activities, to achieve their net zero ambitions.
About Carpenter Ltd
Founded in 1950, Carpenter Co. is the world’s largest vertically integrated manufacturer of polyurethane foams.
Carpenter also serves a diversified global marketplace with polyurethane chemical solutions, polyester fibers, and insulation materials through a network of more than 70 production locations. Our 6,500+ employees across the globe seek to provide the most innovative products and solutions with a focus on enhancing the quality of people’s lives while being a good steward of our resources.
-1.jpg)
