More than 500 ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and a battery energy storage system have been installed to create a sustainable energy solution that will deliver substantial financial and environmental benefits. It is the largest project of its kind that SFRS has carried out.

The completed installation is expected to generate approximately 296,000 kWh of renewable electricity annually, delivering estimated annual savings of more than £63,000 while reducing carbon emissions by around 70 tonnes each year.

Works saw a 340 kWp solar PV array installed alongside a large-capacity battery energy storage system, allowing surplus renewable electricity generated on site to be stored and used during periods of higher demand.

RFM has been SFRS’s hard facilities management partner since 2022, delivering planned preventative and reactive maintenance services across its diverse estate, as well as small capital projects. Following a comprehensive assessment of the headquarters’ energy performance, RFM worked with SFRS to deliver efficiencies through the installation of solar PVs and battery storage.

The project is forecast to achieve a payback period of just over five years and will support SFRS in its aim to achieve net zero by 2045.

RFM carefully managed every stage of the delivery across the live operational site, from assessment and planning through to installation and commissioning, working with specialist supply chain partners to ensure minimal disruption to daily operations. RFM will continue to maintain the system.

Grid electricity use at the site in Cambuslang has been reduced by more than a third compared to the same time last year because the solar panels are directly powering the site.

Sarah O’Donnell is SFRS’ deputy chief officer responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction across corporate services. She said: “We are really pleased with the outcomes of the project at this early stage.

“It helps our organisation to not only bring down energy costs but to reduce carbon emissions at the same time.

“The solar panels are expected to reduce emissions by more than 70 tonnes annually, supporting our overall carbon reduction aims as set out in our carbon management plan.”

William Heaney, managing director – Scotland, RFM, said: “As part of our ongoing contracts, one of the things we look at is energy consumption and how to maximise efficiencies of our clients’ estates. Working closely with SFRS, our highly skilled energy team delivered an effective renewable energy solution. It was important that the project delivered measurable financial and carbon reduction benefits to support SFRS’s long-term sustainability and estate ambitions.

“With the PV array fully operational at the HQ, we continue to review where efficiencies can be delivered across the estate while providing service excellence and high-quality solutions for SFRS.”