Renewable upgrades power Glasgow coffee roaster’s energy investment
Glasgow coffee roaster Matthew Algie has boosted its solar photovoltaic (PV) provision from 10 kW to an impressive 422 kW. The increased renewable energy capacity means the coffee roaster can now run elements of its processing plant entirely on green energy, reducing the carbon footprint of its coffee products.
RSK Renewables, an RSK Group company, installed the 928-panel array across eight roofs at the roastery. RSK Renewables Senior Project Manager Lewis Doyle said: “The solar installation at Matthew Algie’s roastery is the second significant renewable energy project the business has embarked on. In 2012, it installed a 10 kW system, which it has now upgraded to have the capacity to power a significant proportion of its operations.”
RSK Renewables Senior Solar Design Engineer Oluwafemi Sadugba said: “The design for the new array incorporated multiple engineering processes, from structural assessments, electrical design and grid compliance to fire safety and regulatory compliance. Because coffee roasting is a highly energy-intensive process, the specific needs of the factory to function effectively were considered in the design.”
Oluwafemi explained that detailed roof surveys were carried out to ensure that it was suitable for the solar panels to be installed on. “The roofs were surveyed for structural capacity, as well as resistance to wind uplift, accessibility for maintenance and emergencies and potential for shading constraints.”
Sister RSK Group company Acies provided further support on the structural surveys and reports required at pre- and post-construction phases of the project. Acies Technical Director Emily Taylor said: “After the designs had been proposed, it was important to assess the feasibility of the upgrades. A comprehensive pre-installation survey was carried out across the roof and supporting structures that the PV installation would be fitted to.
“Following this, a comparative structural back-analysis was undertaken for the provision of a Structural Engineers Registration (SER) certificate to confirm the suitability of the design and loading capacity of the existing structures. At completion, a further post-installation structural survey was carried out to ensure no anomalies or damage was caused during the building work.”
Oluwafemi said: “Considering these factors together, the design presented a mounting system design that accounts for UK wind load in accordance with European Technical Standards, which determined fixing methods. Fire safety was also integral to the design, incorporating firefighter access routes, specific spacing between the arrays, clear circuit identification and DC cable management.”
Lewis explained that a linear heat detection system was also installed to monitor for overheating of equipment. “The system monitors on a zonal basis, enabling early and targeted interventions. If the maximum heat threshold is ever reached, the system will automatically shut down, reducing the potential that such an event becomes a fire hazard. Given the nature of the roasting process and the installed rooftop solar panels, it was critical that fire risks were managed through the design. These precautions ensure the factory continues to operate at optimum safety.”
As well as considering the energy need of the roasting process, the works had to be conducted while the factory was in full operation, Lewis explained. “As a live factory processing foodstuffs, there were additional PPE requirements on top of what we ordinarily require for installation work. Hygiene was a critical consideration, and the team ensured that the stipulated requirements of wearing hair nets and full suits when inside the factory buildings were followed.”
Notes for editors
1. About RSK Renewables
RSK Renewables, formally Absolute Solar and Wind, was established in 2007 and is based near Loch Lomond, Scotland. It is a leading renewable energy engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor. Its services include the design, supply, installation and maintenance of commercial photovoltaic solar panel systems, solar farms, battery energy storage systems and wind turbines. The business works across many sectors, including utilities, local government, commercial property, agriculture, hospitality, tourism and universities.
2. About RSK
RSK Group is a global leader in the delivery of environmental and engineering solutions. We recognise the urgent need for sustainable change and know that this will be achieved by delivering meaningful action, not just words. We are committed to supporting our clients and societies as they navigate these complex challenges, while making a positive impact.
The business was founded in 1989, originally focused on providing environmental consultancy services to global energy clients. Today, while we remain a leader in environmental consultancy, the business is significantly more diverse. RSK delivers an unrivalled breadth and depth of environmental and engineering services, either as stand-alone projects or as large and integrated multidisciplinary solutions.
The group believes this emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for successfully addressing complex global challenges. This is why we have brought together pragmatic advice, forward-thinking engineering, cutting-edge innovation, digital solutions and best-in-class delivery services.
RSK continues to deliver its ambitious growth strategy. It now comprises more than 200 companies and employs over 17,000 people.
For more information, please contact:
Hannah Walker
Communications Manager, RSK Group