July 4, 2025
Balfour Beatty HS2 KINGSBURY COMPOUND
THE STATS
310 lightweight solar panels on 34 modular cabins
System size 133.3 kWp
Battery enabled system with Hydrogen generator backup.
Roof coverage 1224m2
Estimated energy production 47,600 kWh annually
predicted to save £3.365million over 25 years
(ROI) of 490%
THE PROBLEM
One of the major problems facing the construction industry is how to decarbonise. Like most construction sites, many of the projects are off grid which means operations can rely heavily on diesel generators to bring energy to site. These are costly to run, noisy, and can also pose health risks to workers.
Large construction cabins (modular buildings) offer the chance for on site solar energy production, but commonly these buildings are unable to take the weight and windage issues associated with conventional glass panels.
THE SOLUTION
Working closely with Balfour Beatty, Solivus designed a lightweight solar and battery system that could work with an existing hydrogen generator - a construction industry first. Linking it all together is an advanced fully remote monitoring and control system, enabling a reliable low-carbon power supply to the site, regardless of weather conditions– and eliminating the need for an onsite diesel genset.
Solivus was able to provide a simple, fast and complete end-to-end solution; from system design and planning through to installation, operations and ongoing maintenance.
As part of this, the team delivered a prefabricated containerised system solution housing the batteries, inverter, chargers and all associated equipment, with all elements pre-assembled and pre-tested to minimise disruption to the site and enabling normal operations during installation.
“The transition to clean energy sources is a crucial step in the eradication of diesel from our work sites and critical in our vision for the Zero Carbon Construction Site of the future. This cutting edge approach to solar self-generation will enable us to significantly reduce fuel costs and carbon emissions from existing on-site generators, and contribute to a greener trajectory for our extensive Kingsbury site.
Balfour Beatty’s continued partnership with Solivus demonstrates the importance of collaboration in breaking new ground in sustainability goals. This project is indicative of our continued commitment to setting the standard for climate-relevant innovation and reducing fossil fuel reliance in the construction sector.”
Balfour Beatty
Related Projects
What they say
Solivus provided a complete solution. From engineering design right through to turning the system on. A really seamless installation that will save us hundreds of thousands of pounds over the coming years.
RAY PAYNE
CEO Northamptonshire Country Cricket Club
In line with our ambition to become a sustainability showcase for airports around the world, we’re proud to have partnered with lightweight solar technology pioneers, Solivus, to install one of the largest rooftop solar projects in the region.
SIMON GEERE
CEO Farnborough Airport
Rooftop solar seemed like the solution however, the weight of it [conventional solar panels] and the iconic curves on our infrastructure meant that it was a real challenge. Fortunately, Solivus had the answer.
ROB MARSDEN
CFO Farnborough Airport
We were impressed by Solivus and their innovative, lightweight systems, which can be fitted to the roof of our warehouse; space we previously thought was unusable. With Astute’s focus on energy independence and net zero focus, we’re looking forward to reaping both environmental and sustainability benefits over the next five years and beyond.
MARK SHANLEY
Sales & Marketing Director at Astute Electronics
There are 1,000s of buildings with roof space like ours that you can't use for any other purpose. This gives us commercial benefit, as well as reducing our carbon footprint so it’s worth considering.
JULIA CHAPMAN
CEO at Northampton Saints
It’s [modular cabin lightweight solar and battery system] been a success. As you can see, it’s powering the whole building and the [diesel] generator has hardly been in use. It’s something we’re looking forward to rolling out to future projects.
MATT COOPER
Modular Accommodation Manager Balfour Beatty
WHO WE WORK WITH
We work with some of the world’s largest companies: energy providers, sports stadium owners, private airports - all of which have the same goal, to decarbonise and save money. We are helping them achieve this with our innovative lightweight solar solutions.
ACCREDITATIONS
