Massive solar expansion at Thorlux HQ

Work has now concluded on the extension of the roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system at Thorlux Headquarters in Redditch, Worcestershire.

The original Thorlux solar installation came on-line in 2019 and supplied around 225,000 kWh of electricity per annum. The expanded solar grid will now deliver an impressive 1 million kWh per annum, from a total of 3,138 panels. On days where demand is lower, any excess energy created will be fed into the national grid.

Thorlux Lighting is committed to sustainable manufacturing and reducing its overall environmental impact. Thorlux has held carbon neutral status since 2012, with systems of measurement, reduction, and certified offsetting using its own independently certified tree planting scheme.

This new investment, coupled with other green electricity supplies, means that the Thorlux factory and offices run on 100% renewable electric sources. FW Thorpe Group Chairman, Michael Allcock, said: “When we started our solar PV programme, many years ago, I was lukewarm towards it. After completing the first installation, however, I quickly realised that the colleagues who cajoled me to approve it had great foresight.

“The completion of the Thorlux headquarters installation is truly outstanding, with over 3,000 high-power, latest-generation panels. It has taken a lot of effort to make our roof ready and to complete the extensive mechanical and electrical installation. I am very proud of the result, and when I study my mobile app – which on a sunny day shows we are generating more electricity than we are using – I find it motivational and inspiring. But we can do even more to speed up our journey to Net Zero.

“Congratulations to Team Thorlux for engineering such a wonderful project, which will generate truly green electricity for the next 25 years!"