Major step towards self-sufficiency

Photovoltaic generation system meets 100% of electricity requirements at Bowdens Quarry

LOVELL Purbeck, specialists in Purbeck and Lias natural stone products, have taken a major step towards self-sufficiency and reducing their carbon footprint by generating their own electricity.

The installation of a 47kWp (kilowatt peak) photovoltaic generation system provides 100% of the company’s electricity requirements at Bowdens Quarry, in Somerset, while at Downs Quarry on the Isle of Purbeck, a 50kWp system meets 20% of the site’s electricity needs.

The 47kWp system at Bowdens Quarry (Lias limestone) powers a newly installed guillotine and finishing plant, and since it was commissioned at the end of 2011 it has generated more than 12,000kWh of electricity, with more than 11,000kWh being fed directly into the National Grid as surplus.

Meanwhile, the 50kWp system installed on the roof of the company’s new tile processing factory at Downs Quarry (Purbeck limestone) contributes toward the running of new primary saws and tile processing equipment.

Since it was commissioned in November 2011, the system (pictured) has generated more than 15,000kWh, meeting 20% of the site’s electricity usage, with power generated ‘out of hours’ being fed back into the National Grid.

Having invested around £230,000 in the new photovoltaic electricity generation systems, Lovell Purbeck say they expect payback in less than 10 years.

Managing director Simon Hart commented: ‘With a life expectancy of 20–25 years, this equipment really does stand the test of time, and with payback achievable in less than 10 years, it is a sound investment for the business.’