Low Carbon Hub expands partnership with Norbar Torque Tools Ltd with third solar PV project

Low Carbon Hub has successfully completed it’s third rooftop solar PV installation with Norbar Torque Tools Ltd, significantly expanding the company’s commitment to green energy.

The new 310 kW solar array, installed at Norbar’s site in Banbury, brings the total installed capacity to 1,090 kW, making it Low Carbon Hub’s second largest community-owned solar PV array.

The latest installation will generate an additional 294 MWh of green energy annually, 50% of which will be used on site by the tenants, HPBO UK Limited, manufacturer of parts and accessories for cars as well as by Norbar Torque Tools.

By harnessing this solar power these companies not only benefit from reduced electricity costs but can also make substantial cuts to their carbon footprints. This new array is expected to prevent around 50 tonnes of carbon being emitted every year.

Moreover, this project will generate an additional £150,000 in community benefit funding through the Low Carbon Hub’s community energy model. The funds will be used to further support communities in tackling climate change.

The partnership between Low Carbon Hub and Norbar Torque Tools began in 2015 with the installation of the first solar panels. Then a 2022 extension to the solar array doubled the capacity of the site. Now, this latest addition continues to decarbonise Oxfordshire by producing more green electricity and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Norbar are delighted to have our solar array extended and producing more renewable green energy. Since our founding, Norbar have been invested in supporting our local community and now in the current day our wider community with reducing carbon emissions. The partnership between Norbar and the Low Carbon Hub has been a great way for the business to support the great work Low Carbon Hub do for our local community whilst also benefiting the business from increased renewable energy use. We would encourage other local business to benefit through the same scheme.

Kane Smith, Norbar Torque Tools Ltd

It’s been wonderful to collaborate once again with Norbar Torque Tools again to expand our community-owned solar array in Banbury. Their ongoing commitment to reducing carbon emissions is a brilliant example of the action we need to take to tackle climate change. We hope this inspires other businesses with large rooftops to consider making the switch to clean, cost-effective energy. We’re always looking to support businesses and would encourage you to get in touch to see if your company’s rooftop could host a solar array.

Dr Barbara Hammond, CEO, Low Carbon Hub

This is the latest installation in a growing portfolio of 55 renewable energy sites managed by Low Carbon Hub across Oxfordshire.

Dave Houston, Managing Director, Genfit who installed the solar array said:

We are proud to have successfully installed our second solar PV array for Low Carbon Hub at the Norbar Torque Tools site in Banbury. This project presented a unique challenge due to the National Grid’s requirement for a G100 export limitation scheme, particularly with the incorporation of three phases of PV systems dated between 2015 – 2024. Our team was able to overcome these complexities, demonstrating our expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality, renewable energy solutions. As a certified B Corp, partnering with community investors and sustainably focused organisations such as Norbar is high on our agenda, we look forward to delivering further solar PV schemes with Low Carbon Hub in future.

Do you have a business with substantial roof space?

You could become a solar host too. Hosting a Low Carbon Hub community-owned solar PV array means you have access to cheaper, cleaner energy generated right on site, you cut your carbon emissions and you help your community. All at no cost to you. Read more and get in touch with the team.