IN Brief:
- More than 1.8MWp of rooftop PV has been completed across facilities in Perth and Arbroath.
- Long-term power-purchase agreements avoid upfront capital expenditure for the host businesses.
- High on-site consumption allows much of the output to be used directly within industrial processes.
Two Blues Solar has completed more than 1.8MWp of rooftop photovoltaic capacity across three industrial facilities in Scotland.
The £1.64 million portfolio covers Kanthal’s manufacturing plant in Perth and the Lossie Seafoods and Ennovi facilities in Arbroath. Combined annual generation is forecast at approximately 1.39GWh, with avoided carbon dioxide emissions estimated at around 246 tonnes each year.
Long-term power-purchase agreements running for between 15 and 25 years have funded the installations. Two Blues retains ownership of the equipment, while each host purchases the electricity generated on site without providing the initial capital expenditure.
Kanthal’s Perth facility received a 713.92kWp system expected to produce 546MWh annually. Around 99% of its output is forecast to be consumed within the site, which manufactures silicon-carbide heating elements for high-temperature industrial applications.
Annual electricity demand at the facility is approximately 6.68GWh, and the site also operates a 500kW combined heat and power system. Biosus Energy completed the rooftop works during a ten-week programme while continuous manufacturing remained in operation.
Lossie Seafoods received two arrays totalling 293.94kWp, with forecast annual output of 213MWh. Refrigeration, processing, and other continuous loads are expected to consume almost all generation, while the separate arrays required distinct metering arrangements.
Ennovi’s Arbroath facility received the largest individual installation at 818.09kWp. Annual production is forecast at 630MWh, equivalent to around 17% of the site’s electricity demand, with approximately 88% consumed behind the meter. Green Shield Group delivered the system across several roof areas.
Industrial demand strengthens rooftop economics
Industrial facilities often provide a stronger daytime load than domestic or lightly occupied commercial buildings. Manufacturing equipment, refrigeration, ventilation, compressed air, process heat, and continuous services can absorb a high proportion of solar output, reducing electricity exported at lower value.
High self-consumption can also reduce pressure on export capacity. Distribution-network approval remains necessary, and export limitation may form part of the connection design, but a site that uses most generation internally can make better use of its existing electrical infrastructure.
Under the power-purchase model, capital expenditure, ownership, performance, and maintenance remain with the developer. The host receives a contracted source of on-site electricity, while the asset owner depends on reliable generation and continuing customer demand across an agreement extending well beyond the installation phase.
Long contract periods require detailed technical assessment before construction. Roof condition, structural loading, waterproofing, fire compartmentation, asbestos, access, lightning protection, cable routes, and the remaining life of the building all influence whether the installation can operate for two decades or more.
Industrial electrical systems create additional design requirements. Main switchboards may have limited spare capacity, while embedded generation alters power flows through transformers and protective devices. Harmonics, anti-islanding protection, metering, export control, shutdown arrangements, and network compliance must be coordinated with the site’s existing supply.
Rapid deployment of rooftop and ground-mounted generation has already increased the need for stronger solar-grid integration. Behind-the-meter installations reduce daytime imports, although large aggregated portfolios still require visibility where generation can create reverse flows or affect voltage conditions.
The Scottish projects demonstrate the value of sizing arrays against real consumption rather than simply using every available roof area. Kanthal’s forecast 99% self-consumption reflects a close match between production and load, while Ennovi’s larger system retains an expected 88% on-site use.
Keeping the facilities operational during installation required phased access and carefully managed shutdowns. Modules, cable containment, inverters, and protection equipment had to be installed without disrupting manufacturing, ventilation, refrigeration, water-tightness, or safe access to existing plant.
Long-term output will depend on module degradation, inverter performance, roof condition, cleaning, shading, monitoring, and maintenance access. Two Blues will need to coordinate inspections and repairs around production schedules while preserving the output required under each commercial agreement.
Fully funded solar provides a route for businesses with suitable roofs and stable demand to secure on-site generation while reserving capital for their core operations. Delivered kilowatt-hours, system availability, and the proportion of generation consumed within each facility will determine the performance of the portfolio over its operating life.
