Berkshire NHS Trust – Erlegh House
project location
Berkshire NHS Trust – Erlegh House
Berkshire NHS Trust has taken a significant step towards sustainability and cost efficiency by installing a 131.75kW Solar PV system at Erlegh House. This project represents a major expansion of the Trust’s renewable energy portfolio, aiming to substantially reduce carbon emissions and lower energy costs. Securing the support of Reading University, the site’s owner, was vital, as the Trust leases the property. To facilitate this collaboration, considerations regarding warranty and payback were essential to align the interests of all stakeholders.
results
what we did…
Challenges
Erlegh House, like many healthcare facilities, faced rising operational costs, driven largely by electricity consumption. In addition to financial pressure, the NHS is committed to meeting stringent sustainability targets, including reducing its overall carbon footprint as part of the Net Zero NHS strategy. This created an urgent need for the Trust to find a renewable solution that would not only lower costs but also contribute to their environmental commitments.
EES had to upgrade the existing switchgear to manage the PV integration with the site’s electrical infrastructure which took extensive planning and coordination between all stakeholders. Risk assessments, communication and contingency planning were developed to mitigate the downtime across the hospital. The hospital was fully operational, so public and staff safety were paramount, so EES developed a plan with controls and measures in place to designate safe access routes and zones with regular communication points and briefings to mitigate accidents and or delays.
Solution
The installation of a 131.75kW Solar PV system using 310 SolarEdge-optimised panels was the perfect solution for Erlegh House. SolarEdge technology provides enhanced monitoring and optimisation at the panel level, ensuring that even under partial shading or adverse conditions, the system generates maximum energy. This technology also offers real-time data tracking, enabling better maintenance and efficiency management throughout the system’s lifetime.
Conclusion
The solar installation at Erlegh House represents a major step forward in Berkshire NHS Trust’s drive toward a greener, more cost-efficient future. By implementing optimised technology, the Trust has maximised its energy output while securing long-term operational savings. The success of this project highlights the Trust’s commitment to sustainability and financial responsibility, positioning it as a leader in the healthcare sector’s transition to renewable energy.
With annual savings of £27,491 and significant carbon reductions, this solar initiative is a model for how NHS facilities can align with the Net Zero targets while reducing overhead costs.
Testimonial
“Erlegh House, with a larger system size of 131.75kW, was an even bigger success. We expect to save more than £27,000 in the first year, and reduce our carbon footprint by 25.67 tonnes annually. The use of SolarEdge optimised technology has ensured we get the most out of the system, even during less-than-ideal conditions. The real-time monitoring allows us to track performance and make adjustments as needed, ensuring efficiency and longevity.
The professionalism, attention to detail, and expert knowledge from EES Group has been outstanding. These installations have proven to be an invaluable investment, both in terms of financial savings and environmental responsibility. We couldn’t be happier with the results and look forward to continuing our partnership as we explore further sustainability initiatives.”
Estates Design and Technical Services Surveyor, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust