Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) HQ is set in a stunning location within a World Heritage site, and is a cornerstone of SAS's operations which embodies their deep connection to the Cornish coastline.
By installing a 12.9kWp photovoltaic (PV) commercial solar panel system with 9.2kWh battery storage, we helped SAS significantly reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs, allowing them to focus even more of their resources on protecting our oceans.
About Surfers Against Sewage
SAS is a grassroots charity dedicated to keeping sewage and plastics out of rivers and oceans, while championing biodiversity, public health and wellbeing, and combatting climate change.
Rooted in Cornwall, the organisation’s connection to the region runs deep, with its origins in Porthtowan and its current base in St Agnes. The charity now works with communities and organisations across the UK.
Over the years, SAS has expanded its reach to collaborate with businesses, partners and communities nationwide, making their work truly impactful on a national scale.
Why Solar?
For SAS, sustainability isn’t just a campaign goal – it’s a practice they strive to embody. Recognising that their offices were among the primary contributors to their carbon emissions, SAS sought to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
Solar power was the natural choice, aligning perfectly with their mission to protect biodiversity and address climate change by reducing pollution. The solar PV system supports electric heating and car charging, further reducing their overall carbon footprint and promoting alternative energy sources.
Overcoming Challenges
Installing solar panels on a council-owned building within a World Heritage site required careful planning and collaboration. SAS’s concerns about preserving the built and natural environment were addressed through extensive consultations with Cornwall Council, the Parish Council and their neighbours.
Funding from the Postcode Lottery made the project financially feasible, ensuring a sustainable solution that met all planning requirements.
System Overview
The 12.9kWp PV system installed at SAS headquarters comprises:
- 30 Eurener 430W modules equipped with SolarEdge S440 power optimisers
- A SolarEdge Homehub 8kW (3-phase) inverter
- A 9.2kWh battery bundle for energy storage
- A Schletter slate roof mounting system to ensure durability and minimal impact on the historic building
Why Surfers Against Sewage Chose Natural Generation
SAS’s procurement process prioritised not only cost-effectiveness, but also environmental and social responsibility.
Natural Generation stood out as a local supplier with a strong understanding of their needs. From addressing planning concerns to providing ongoing support, we worked closely with SAS every step of the way.
"Natural Generation understood our needs and provided a lot of reassurance and a personal touch to the project."
Customer Experience
- Comprehensive pre-installation support: Natural Generation helped SAS address planning queries, especially those related to the unique requirements of a World Heritage site.
- Quick and efficient installation: The installation team ensured minimal disruption to SAS operations during the project.
- Ongoing monitoring and support: Natural Generation continue to monitor the system remotely, and are ready to provide on-site assistance whenever needed.
Client Feedback
“In terms of the support they have given, it has been huge in the lead up and the planning.
Natural Generation has been really useful making sure we can answer all the questions that Cornwall Council had regarding the practicalities of getting the PV on the roof and the ongoing implications as we don’t own the building.
They were quick to install the system and really friendly on site. Post installation, we know they’ll be out here if anything goes wrong to fix it.”
The Impact
The system has already delivered impressive results, reducing SAS’s reliance on the grid and cutting their costs.
"We've already reduced our reliance on the grid by two thirds. We're reducing avoidable carbon emission and our electricity costs, so our donors' money can be spent on campaign impact; keeping sewage and plastic out of oceans and rivers."
SAS also exports surplus electricity, bolstering the local energy infrastructure and benefiting from an export tariff.
By partnering with Natural Generation, SAS has achieved:
- A two-thirds reduction in grid dependency
- Significant cost savings on electricity, freeing up resources for their campaigns
- A meaningful reduction in carbon emissions, setting an example for organisations nationwide
Through this project, SAS is now better equipped to focus on their mission of keeping our oceans and rivers free from sewage and plastic pollution while addressing the global challenge of climate change.
By investing in solar energy, SAS continues to lead by example, proving that sustainability and impact go hand in hand. Natural Generation is proud to be part of their journey.
Commercial Solar in Cornwall
Are you looking to reduce your organisation’s carbon footprint and energy costs? Natural Generation is here to help. With our expertise and commitment to sustainability, we can provide tailored solutions to meet your needs.
Get in touch today to see how we can make a difference together.
