Harnessing the Sun: How Solar Trees Are Powering Promega UK

 Bringing the Solar Trees to Life
Transforming this vision into reality took a team effort. We worked closely with Architecture PLB to design the initial concept, “We looked at 3 different approaches and the one we landed on was the abstract sculptural form with a real focus on the trunk - with the PV being the canopy and how that threw light onto the ground and created sculptural forms within that structure” - Josh Reay, Architecture PLB.

But designing the trees was only part of the project. Refit International, a firm of marine engineers and outfitters was selected for their ability to work on unusual, high-quality projects. They worked closely with Architecture PLB to create fabrication drawings that matched the design intent, while crucially ensuring a viable installation strategy for the trees. Alongside of all this were a group of structural engineers, solar panel specialists, project managers and electrical contractors ABS  to bring the project together. “It was not without its challenges but the end result in my opinion was a piece of art which has to be the one of the best architectural PV system in the country”.

Designing these trees wasn’t just about making them look good—it was about making sure they could withstand wind and snow loads, shed rain properly, last for decades, and even accommodate future solar panel technology.
 
How It Happened: The 6 Key Stages
Building the solar trees was no small feat. The process unfolded in six main phases:

🌱Groundworks – Creating stable foundations and installing underground conduits for wiring
🛠️ Fabrication – Manufacturing and coating the metal trunks and canopies
🏗️ Installation – Positioning the trunks and mounting the canopies
🔆 Panel Installation – Expert teams secured each solar panel with specialist fittings
⚡ Electrical Commissioning – Setting up inverters and control systems
🌿 Landscaping – Selecting plants suited to the new shade and moisture conditions.
 
Overcoming the Biggest Challenge
"The toughest part? Installing the canopies. Moving heavy structures into place at height, with limited access, was incredibly tricky. The precision fittings between the trunks and canopies didn’t align as smoothly as planned, so the approach had to be rethought. In the end, the expertise of the team from Refit International made all the difference." - Robert Holmes, Facilities Manager, Promega UK Ltd.
 
A Smart Use of Space
One of the most satisfying aspects of this project is that it transforms otherwise unused land into a valuable resource. Unlike vast solar farms, which require large open spaces, our trees generate energy while enhancing the landscape around them.
Derek McCall, Managing Director, Promega UK, sums it up perfectly:
"The solar trees align perfectly with Promega UK’s sustainability goals, including our commitment to ISO 14001 accreditation and achieving net-zero direct emissions by 2030.”
 
Electricity generation
Although this project was about more than just energy generation, power output was a focus. As a life sciences supplier, Promega UK requires reliable refrigeration for many of our products, which must be kept at -20. “It can be difficult to relate to abstract power generation figures, but we are well on track to generate enough energy over the course of a year to power all of our -20 freezers for the same time period.” Robert Holmes, Facilities Manager, Promega UK Ltd.
 
What’s Next?
The success of this project opens the door to even more creative sustainability solutions. Could we integrate more smart technology? Add features like EV charging stations? There’s always more we can do to push the boundaries of sustainable innovation.

For now, we’re celebrating six months of clean energy—and looking forward to many more.