Customer: Kent Amusements, Newcastle, Co. Down
Industry: Entertainment and Leisure
System Size: 73.8 kW
Number of Panels: 164
Number of Inverters: 1 Solis 60 kW Inverter
Annual Electricity Generation: 57,000 kWh (2023)
First Year Savings: £17,100
Total Carbon Savings to Date: Over 115 tons
Project Overview
Kent Amusements, a family-run business that’s been delighting visitors in Newcastle, Co. Down for over 50 years, took a step towards sustainability in 2022 with the installation of a 73.8 kW solar power system. The goal? To reduce energy costs in an ever-changing market and take advantage of the growing benefits of renewable energy. While meeting net-zero goals wasn't the main objective, the environmental benefits have certainly been an added bonus!
Working with Solarfix, Kent Amusements installed 164 solar panels paired with a powerful 60 kW Solis inverter. The results have been nothing short of impressive: in its first year, the system generated 57,000 kWh of electricity, which saved the business a staggering £17,100 in energy costs. Even more impressive is their environmental impact—since the system was turned on, Kent Amusements has cut down over 115 tons of carbon emissions. Brian has been spreading the solar love by referring lots of his friends and family along the coast to install solar systems by Solarfix, ensuring they’re all reaping the benefits of solar energy and saving money too.
A Smooth Installation – Business as Usual
Given that Kent Amusements operates all year round, it was crucial that the solar installation didn’t disrupt their business. The Solarfix team knew they had to get the job done quickly and efficiently, all while keeping health and safety at the forefront.
Planning for a Seamless Installation
Before any work began, a detailed risk assessment was carried out to make sure the roof could handle the additional load of 164 panels. The project was then planned meticulously to ensure safety standards were met without impacting Kent Amusements’ daily operations. Our engineers and electricians worked together to make sure everything—from the scaffold system to the panel mounting—was done safely and on schedule.
Minimal Disruption
Kent Amusements is busiest on weekends, so the installation team worked around their schedule to keep the business running smoothly. By timing the work during quieter periods and off-peak hours, the team was able to install the system without any major disruptions. Brian, the owner of Kent Amusements, was kept informed every step of the way to make sure the installation fit in seamlessly with their operations.
Energy Savings and Future Flexibility
The installation has made a real difference to Kent Amusements’ bottom line. In the first year alone, they saved over £17,100 on electricity costs, with an annual generation of 57,000 kWh. That’s a big chunk of energy produced by the sun, powering their amusement centre and helping keep overheads in check.
Room for Future Growth
While Kent Amusements didn’t opt for solar power storage batteries right away, the system is designed to easily accommodate them in the future. So if they decide to add a solar power storage batteries down the line, they’ll be all set to store energy for later use.
Additionally, while the My Energi Zappi car charger and My Energi immersion heater controller weren’t part of the original installation, Kent Amusements has the option to upgrade with these technologies in the future. These tools would allow them to make even better use of excess solar energy by heating water or charging electric vehicles.
A Bright Future for Kent Amusements
Brian, the owner of Kent Amusements, made a smart business decision two years ago by investing in solar power. Thanks to that choice, he’s already saved over £17,100 in energy costs in the first year alone and has reduced carbon emissions by over 115 tons. And the best part? He’s set to continue reaping the benefits of his 73.8 kW solar system for the next 20+ years.
A big shoutout to Brian, who’s been busy spreading the word! Brian has referred several friends and businesses along the coast to Solarfix, including —another business we’ve proudly installed a solar system for. It's clear that Brian is thrilled with his solar system and the service he received, and we’re incredibly grateful for his continued support and referrals!
If you want to be like Brian and make a savvy investment that cuts costs and helps the environment, now’s the perfect time to explore solar power or solar batteries. Whether you own a business, home, or farm, solar energy can make a real difference in your energy bills and carbon footprint.
Get in touch by calling 0800 246 5198 or completing our website contact form here. We’re here to help you start your solar journey today!