Centrica Business Solutions to power Derbyshire manufacturer with bespoke solar farm

Centrica Business Solutions has partnered with Carpenter Ltd, one of the world's largest producers of cushioning products, to help decarbonise its Glossop manufacturing site. 

The partnership is turning a challenging space on the business’ premises into a green energy solution, by installing a 1MW solar array – consisting of 1,666 panels – on an unused steep bank.

This array will have the capacity to produce 1,025 MWh of energy each year, which is 15% of the site’s total energy consumption – the equivalent of powering 380 homes. 

The project, delivered in partnership with Push Power, is expected to break ground in August 2025 and is set to be fully completed by December 2025.

Once live, the project is expected to reduce the manufacturer’s carbon output by 116,150KgCO2 tonnes in the first year, allowing the business to decrease its operational costs of electricity by an estimated 15% while boosting its sustainability credentials. 

Centrica Business Solutions worked closely with Carpenter Ltd – which produces foam products including mattresses, carpet underlay and tyre fillings – to establish the appropriate location for the green energy technology. Due to ventilation requirements, the site’s roof was not an option, so the solar farm was placed on a steep bank, land that was previously thought to be unusable. 

The project is being delivered in partnership with Push Power, Centrica Business Solutions’ solar EPC partner, whose expertise in complex ground-mount systems has been key to unlocking the site’s potential. The array is being installed on a steep slope with a 14.62% gradient, previously used as landfill and long considered unsuitable for development.

This challenging terrain introduced a unique working-at-height risk, even at ground level, requiring tailored safety measures and specialist access equipment. Push Power adapted the system layout to suit the steep terrain, ensuring it was both secure and environmentally considerate — converting underused land into green energy output.

Centrica Business Solution’s installation work also includes supporting Carpenter Ltd to achieve it’s biodiversity net gain target, something the government asks for with all solar installations. Carpenter Ltd were keen to make broader sustainability efforts in keeping with the area, with designs to install two badger gates as well as plant additional hedgerows, as it looks to support wildlife and improve biodiversity on its land.

Oliver Evans, UKI General Manager at Centrica Business Solutions, said: “Solar investments are an option that more businesses than ever are turning to in order to make long-term cost-savings on their energy bills, and to make strikes towards decarbonisation.” 

“The Carpenter Ltd project is a standout example of how we’ve been able to make good use of space that went unutilised for decades to generate thousands of pounds of green electricity each year. We’re committed to working with them to ensure the energy technology benefits the business for years to come.” 

Alan Hibbert Divisional Manager UK at Carpenter Ltd, said: “Our site is based in the picturesque Glossop countryside, so making sure the installation blends into the landscape was an important ask the Centrica team has delivered on.”  

“The solar farm will make us more resilient to rising costs, reducing our reliance on the grid, and represents a major step forward in minimising our environmental impact.” 

Andy Khan, Managing Director, Push Power Ltd said, "We pride ourselves on our expertise in designing and delivering bespoke solar solutions, even in the most challenging environments. Our 1,666-panel installation at Carpenter Ltd called for both flexible engineering and a design that fits naturally into the landscape, while meeting our strict health and safety standards which will be in place throughout construction. We're proud to work alongside Centrica Business Solutions and Carpenter Ltd to demonstrate our agility and deliver a high quality, sustainable asset that supports their renewable energy goals."