0333 772 1800
0333 772 1800
Client
Sector
Technology
System Size
Estimated Annual Output
Annual Carbon Savings
Payback Period
25 Year Net Savings
Client
Brothers Drinks is a leading UK cider producer, manufacturing more than 140 million bottles annually at its Somerset facility. Producing well-known brands including Babycham, Brothers Cider and Compton Orchard, the business operates a high-demand, energy-intensive manufacturing process supplying pubs, bars and supermarkets nationwide.
With cider production rooted in the Showering family for 14 generations, the business combines heritage with modern, large-scale production. Since first selling cider at Glastonbury Festival in 1995, Brothers Drinks has grown into one of Somerset’s most recognisable drinks manufacturers, with SolarSense also delivering commercial solar PV installations at Worthy Farm.
Sustainability is embedded across operations, from zero-to-landfill waste practices and reduced water usage to advanced recycling processes and biodiversity initiatives supported by 150 acres of orchard near the production site. As energy demand has increased, the business identified an opportunity to reduce electricity costs, improve operational efficiency and strengthen long-term resilience.
The solar PV installation builds on SolarSense’s wider work with Brothers Drinks, first announced in the solar-powered cider project announcement, highlighting the role of on-site renewable energy in powering large-scale drinks manufacturing.
Solar PV system
When planning essential roof replacement works at its cider mill, Brothers Drinks identified an opportunity to integrate a high-performance commercial solar PV system, transforming a necessary infrastructure upgrade into a long-term energy solution.
Following a detailed site survey and technical design process, SolarSense specified a fully optimised solar PV system using 410W REC solar panels with SolarEdge optimisers to maximise on-site energy generation. Installed across the trapezoidal roof, the system comprises 772 solar panels, 3 inverters and 389 optimisers, designed to deliver reliable performance while protecting the integrity of the roof’s waterproofing system.
Due to shading from surrounding trees, optimisation technology was critical. By enabling each panel to operate independently, the system avoids the performance losses associated with traditional string inverter designs, ensuring consistent output across varying site conditions.
The integrated monitoring platform provides real-time visibility of energy generation, site consumption and grid export, supporting ongoing optimisation and future energy planning, including the potential for additional solar PV capacity and the integration of battery storage.
Services Provided
Renewable Energy Consultancy – Full site assessment, detailed surveys and modelling to evaluate site constraints, energy demand and optimal system configuration including SolarEdge optimisers.
Design, Supply and Construction – installation of a 316.52kWp roof-mounted solar PV system, fully optimised to site conditions.
Solar PV Monitoring Setup – Configuration of the SolarEdge online monitoring portal, providing real-time performance insight for ongoing optimisation and maintenance.
Grid Connection, Testing and Commissioning – coordination of grid connection and system testing in accordance with G99 requirements.
Full Handover – G99 grid connection approval, operation and maintenance pack, and certification to relevant UK and IEC standards.
Results
Cost Savings – £82,000 reduction in first-year electricity costs, delivering a projected three-year payback and more than £3.4 million in lifetime energy savings.
Enhanced Energy Resilience – The solar PV system. supplies around 4% of the site’s total electricity demand, reducing reliance on the National Grid and improving long-term energy stability.
Carbon Reduction – The system saves approximately 67.9 tonnes of carbon emissions each year, contributing to Brothers Drinks’ wider ESG and sustainability objectives.
Net Zero Leadership – The installation strengthens Brothers Drinks’ position as a sustainable drinks manufacturer, investing in clean energy to enhance competitiveness and environmental performance.
From the Client
“We had a few key factors that were critical to our decision-making process and whilst price was obviously important, the reputation of Solarsense both in terms of the quality of their work and environmental, social aspects swayed the choice in their favour. Several factors hindered the install initially, including limitation on export and working around a busy factory, but the main aspect we wanted to address was ensuring the condition of the roof was adequate to last the lifetime of the solar panels. SolarSense helped with this, were easy to work with and quick to respond to any queries through the whole process, providing good information at the sales stage and acting professional at all times when on-site through the installation.”
Matthew Showering, Managing Director – Brothers Drinks
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SolarSense is an employee-owned Certified B Corp, committed to the highest standards of quality and environmental performance, backed by ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditation.
We advise, design, install and maintain award-winning solar and battery storage projects to deliver maximum financial and carbon savings for leading brands in England and Wales.
Are you interested in finding out how much your business could save with renewable energy? Request your free savings assessment to get a tailored breakdown of your potential energy cost reduction, carbon savings, and return on investment.
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