Renewable Energy

IS IT TIME TO RETHINK SOLAR ENERGY IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR?

Steve Sopp, Senior Category Lead – Transport Technology Services

Solar energy is emerging as one of the most popular forms of energy generation with 80% support from the public. Crown Commercial Service can help your investment in renewable energy generation, including solar.

Solar energy is one of the most popular forms of energy generation with 80% support from the public. The UK is on track to double its solar capacity by 2030. However, even though solar panels are being installed faster than any other European country, the UK needs to treble capacity to meet the 2050 net zero target.

FOUR WAYS TO TAP INTO THE SUN’S ENERGY

1. GROUND MOUNTED AND ROOFTOP SOLAR PV PANELS

Solar PV panels offer an economic alternative to generating electricity, from public and residential buildings to park and ride buses. The cost of solar PV has significantly reduced over the past 15 years with the payback period on the initial investment decreasing too.

Solar projects can support electricity demand across your estate and provide potential income generation if exporting back to the grid through your energy supplier. The new Demand Management and Renewables Dynamic Purchasing System (RM6313) and traditional Framework (RM6314) will provide effective routes to market for varying solar projects that can support public sector decarbonisation strategies.

These agreements are replacing the existing heat networks and electricity generation agreement (HELGA). You can expect the new DPS to be live by November 2022 with the Framework launching in early 2023.

2. ZERO EMISSION TRANSPORT

Zero emissions buses offer a low carbon, cost-effective, clean way to get around. The market for these buses is developing quickly.

New suppliers are entering the market and existing suppliers are expanding their capabilities to encompass fuel cell and battery electric technologies. Innovative suppliers are looking at how solar panels can help to top up batteries or to power ancillaries, extending the range of these vehicles.

3. SOLAR ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

Solar energy can power electric vehicle charging points using solar panels on top to allow them to capture renewable energy directly. The solar panels typically recharge a ‘battery energy storage system’ during the day and allow vehicles to charge when parked overnight.

Charging stations offering faster charging solutions can be connected to a network of solar and wind farms, providing 100% renewable energy. These sites use a large (6MWh) energy storage battery to regulate the supply.

4. SOLAR POWERED STREET FURNITURE

Solar panels attached to street furniture can support ancillary power for Wifi or Internet of Things (IoT) connections or provide lighting at a site. Solar power can also be used to illuminate pavements, paths and cycle routes.

SUPPORTING YOUR NET ZERO PROJECTS

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) can help fund your net zero projects, including solar panels, EV charging equipment, and zero emissions buses. We can go a step further by helping you consider the sources of energy, whether you want to buy “green” electricity or introduce your own renewable solutions such as solar and wind.

INNOVATIVE FUNDING OPTIONS

Our industry leading twin-agreement solution consists of a framework (RM6146) for accessing specialist Asset Finance advisors and a separate funding platform through the Leasing and Loans Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS). The solution provides direct access to lenders, offering a range of leasing arrangements and loans. The two solutions can be used independently or jointly to achieve significant commercial benefit through tailored competitive finance.

The DPS offers a range of purchase and lease options for electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment, including hire purchase, finance and operating lease, secured loans, and sales and

leasebacks. Existing grant funding can be supplemented by funding secured through the Asset Finance solution.

HERE TO HELP

CCS can support your decarbonisation journey, helping you realise your energy security ambitions. As the nation’s largest public sector procurement organisation, we continuously develop innovative solutions to enable you to achieve your net zero goals.

Our energy team is available to help identify the necessary processes and products for you. The team works collaboratively, exploring how new and existing developments can be maximised and by reaching out to our suppliers to create innovative solutions.

Our agreements and asset finance solutions can help accelerate the UK’s investment in renewable energy generation, including solar. For example:

• Our supply of energy agreements offers green tariffs, ensuring energy is linked to a renewable energy asset.

• Our HELGA agreement covers renewable energy generation, demand management, and sustainability 1 .

• Our technology and associated services agreements now support sustainable transport technologies, including Clean Air Zone and CNZ initiatives, environmental monitoring equipment, and EV charging solutions. No matter where you are on your carbon net zero journey, we have several solutions that can help. So get in touch, visit https://www. crowncommercial.gov.uk/buy-andsupply/carbon-net-zero, or download the 3 step energy guide at https:// assets.crowncommercial.gov.uk/ wp-content/uploads/CCS-Carbon-Net- Zero-Infographic_Interactive_v6.pdf

1 HELGA is designed to help the public sector find the right suppliers for solar panels, wind turbines, heat networks, battery storage and more.