Inspired and Zestec showcase one of the UK’s largest single-roof solar PV installations at Leggett & Platt
4MW rooftop system, funded through Zestec's PPA model and delivered in partnership with Inspired, marks a major step in the manufacturer's sustainability strategy
Inspired and Zestec Renewable Energy held an exclusive showcase event at Leggett & Platt’s Barnsley manufacturing site, unveiling a brand-new flagship 4MW rooftop solar PV system, one of the largest single-roof rooftop installations in the UK.
A number of businesses were invited to the site to see the system firsthand, comprising over 7,700 solar panels and 25 inverters. The project has been funded through Zestec Renewable Energy’s Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) model, giving Leggett & Platt access to lower-cost renewable electricity generated on site, and greater energy independence from the national grid.
Inspired supported the project from initial design through to installation and delivery. The collaboration between Zestec, Inspired and Leggett & Platt has brought the project to life and strengthened the business’s long-term energy resilience.
Guests at the event heard from George Orrell, Head of Finance at Leggett & Platt, on the sustainability strategy and decision-making behind the project.
Sophie Breakell, Business Development Manager at Zestec, and Craig Needham, Inspired’s Managing Director: Optimisation, also discussed the commercial impact of the installation, including cost savings, risk reduction and wider supply-chain benefits.
Attendees were then given an up-close guided tour of the manufacturing facility and the rooftop solar PV system itself.
Technical Stats
- Equivalent to powering 1,000 homes: The 4MW peak system will generate around 3.6 GWh of electricity each year and save around 520 tons of carbon — described as the equivalent energy to power around a thousand homes in the UK for a year.
- Tennis courts equivalent: The 4-megawatt peak system covers a total area of 20,000 m², described as equivalent to more than 75 tennis courts.
- Over 100km of DC cable: Over 100 kilometres of DC cable has been installed to carry the solar power from the panels to the 25 inverters installed around the factory.
“Inspired is delighted to be working with its group company, Businesswise, in partnership with Zestec to support Leggett & Platt in the commissioning of a 4MW rooftop solar PV system at their Barnsley site. We’re proud to have supported the full delivery, from the initial design phase through to installation, enabling Leggett & Platt to generate their own green energy, significantly reduce energy costs, and minimise dependence on the national grid.”
Craig Needham
Director: Optimisation Solutions, Inspired
“This is one of the largest single-roof rooftop solar installations we’ve delivered, and it shows exactly what our PPA model is designed to do: give businesses like Leggett & Platt access to lower-cost renewable electricity generated on site, and greater energy independence, without the upfront capital investment. Projects of this scale only come together through strong partnership, and working alongside Inspired and the team at Leggett & Platt has been a great example of that.”
Simon Booth, CEO at Zestec
Leggett & Platt is a diversified manufacturer that has been designing and producing components and finished products since 1883. What began with the invention of a bedspring has grown into a broad portfolio spanning bedding, furniture, seating, flooring, automotive and aerospace components, with products used in homes, workplaces, vehicles and aircraft around the world. The company’s UK operations are based in Barnsley.
“We were delighted to host key customers at our open day, giving them the opportunity to see our new solar installation and learn more about our commitment to reducing environmental impact. This project is a testament to the power of collaboration, and we thank Inspired and Zestec for their expertise and partnership throughout the journey.”
Adam Ball, Commercial Manager at Leggett & Platt
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