July 2, 2025
Tesco Watford Extra Store
THE STATS
Sytem Size - 388 kWp
System Size m2 - 2,838 m2
Estimated total production in year one - 399,506 kWh
Total savings (over 25 years) - £4,792,434
Payback - 5.4years
ROI - 580%
CO2 Saved Tonnes CO2e. 1,957
THE PROBLEM
Tesco's Watford Extra superstore is a good example of the challenges facing many commercial properties trying to utilise solar energy. The original structural survey showed that the weight of a conventional solar system would be too great for the large span roof, and combined with that, any penetration of the rubber membrane covering the roof structure during installation could void it's warranty. Large amounts of plant on the roof also meant that any system layout would need to be carefully designed to incorporate the many air conditioning units and exposed pipework.
THE SOLUTION
• A bespoke lightweight solar system consisting of 746 lightweight solar panels
• A bespoke railing and fixing system compatible with the membrane roof and plant system
• System designed with optimisers and inverters that offer optimum energy output , highest of fire safety standards, and
close monitoring of ongoing system performance
• Installation completed with no disruption to store operations
“Working with innovative suppliers is key to unlocking some of the challenges we face on our journey to net zero. Our partnership with Solivus will allow us to use lightweight solar panels where traditional solar isn’t feasible, helping us to move closer to our goal of carbon neutrality across our own operations by 2035.”
Bianka Samarakoon, Group Head of Energy at Tesco
THE RESULTS
• The system will deliver upto 10% of the stores annual electricity requirements.
• In the first month of operation (June 2025) the system has been seen to exceed expectations by producing 39.4 MWh of energy and
saving 7,632.4 kg of CO2 emissions, which is the equivalent of planting 462 trees.
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
