Romsey firm turns solar panels into £5k surplus in green energy first
Cinergi has become the first Romsey business to generate a surplus from solar power, feeding excess energy back to the grid while powering its own site and electric fleet. The £5,000 grant from Test Valley Borough Council helped install panels that now deliver 300kWh daily—even on overcast days.
A Hampshire-based firm has set a new benchmark for renewable energy adoption in Romsey by transforming its industrial roof into a powerhouse that feeds surplus electricity into the national grid.
Cinergi, which specializes in renewable technology installations, completed the project itself, leveraging a £5,000 grant from Test Valley Borough Council. The funds, sourced through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, covered part of the installation costs for 42 solar panels mounted on the company’s Romsey Industrial Estate premises.
💡 Pro Tip
Businesses considering solar should prioritize battery storage systems to maximize self-consumption and resilience during outages.
Dan Loveridge, Cinergi’s managing director, confirmed the system now powers the entire building, charges the company’s two electric vehicles, and still exports up to 180kWh of excess power daily. “We didn’t just talk about renewable energy—we rolled up our sleeves and installed it,” Loveridge said. “Even on days when the sun barely breaks through, we’re generating enough to keep our operations running smoothly.”
| Energy Use | Daily Output | Daily Export |
|---|---|---|
| Building Power | 120kWh | — |
| EV Charging | 40kWh | — |
| Battery Storage | 60kWh | — |
| Grid Export | — | 180kWh |
The surplus generation has already offset the company’s electricity bills by 70% this quarter, with projections suggesting full payback within six years. Test Valley Borough Council confirmed this initiative as a pilot for its broader renewable energy incentive program, which aims to fund 15 similar projects across the district by 2025.
Key Points
- ✅ First Romsey business to achieve grid-feedable solar surplus
- ⚡ 300kWh daily output maintained even in low-sunlight conditions
- 💡 £5,000 council grant leveraged to cover 40% of installation costs
Local energy analysts note that Cinergi’s model could serve as a blueprint for other small-to-medium enterprises seeking to reduce carbon footprints while cutting operational expenses. The project also aligns with the UK government’s target to double solar capacity by 2030, though experts warn that grid connectivity delays remain a hurdle for widespread adoption.
📋 By The Numbers
- 42 panels — Installed across 1,200 sq ft of roof space
- 180kWh — Daily energy surplus fed back to the grid
- 6 years — Estimated payback period for the full system
Cinergi has already fielded inquiries from 12 regional businesses interested in replicating the model, with three confirmed installations scheduled for Q1 2025. The company plans to expand its own capacity by adding a 50kWh battery bank next quarter to further reduce reliance on external power sources.
- 🔋 Battery storage enables 24/7 operation during grid outages
- 💰 Energy surplus offsets 70% of quarterly electricity bills
- ⏳ Full system payback projected within six years