Project Overview
ProStar Energy delivered a high-performance commercial solar PV system for Goulds Household, a busy department store located in Dorchester, Dorset.
The goal was simple: reduce rising energy costs, lower carbon emissions, and protect the business against long-term energy price volatility.
The result is a 58 kWp solar installation that now generates clean electricity on-site, cutting operating costs while strengthening the store’s sustainability credentials.
System Details
- System Size: 58 kWp
- Location: Goulds Household, Dorchester.
- Installation Cost: £32,546
- First-Year Savings: £12,576
- Estimated Payback Period: 2 years 11 months
- Carbon Offset: 14 tonnes CO₂ per year
The Challenge
Like many retail businesses, Goulds Household operates with consistent daytime energy demand. Lighting, heating, cooling, and electronic systems all contribute to substantial electricity usage.
With energy prices continuing to rise, the store needed a long-term solution that would:
- Reduce overhead costs
- Improve energy independence
- Support environmental commitments
- Deliver a strong return on investment
The solution had to be cost-effective, efficient, and installed with minimal disruption to daily trading.
Our Approach
The ProStar Energy process included carrying out a detailed site survey to assess roof structure, available space, and energy consumption patterns.
The department store’s roof offered excellent solar generation potential, particularly given its daytime trading hours, which align perfectly with solar production.
We designed a 58 kWp solar PV system tailored to maximise on-site energy usage and accelerate payback. Installation was completed safely and efficiently, ensuring the store remained fully operational throughout the project.
The Results
The impact was immediate and measurable.
£12,576 saved in the first year alone, placing the system on track for a rapid return on investment in under three years.
With an estimated payback period of just 2 years and 11 months, the project demonstrates how commercial solar can deliver both environmental and financial benefits quickly.
The system also offsets approximately 14 tonnes of CO₂ annually, helping Goulds Household significantly reduce its carbon footprint.
Financial Performance
This project highlights the strong business case for commercial solar:
- Low upfront investment relative to annual savings
- Fast payback period
- Long-term protection from energy price increases
- Increased property and brand value
Once the system has paid for itself, the electricity it produces effectively becomes free, delivering continued savings year after year.
Environmental Impact
By generating clean, renewable electricity on-site, Goulds Household reduces reliance on grid-supplied power.
An annual carbon reduction of 14 tonnes CO₂ is equivalent to:
- Planting hundreds of trees
- Removing several petrol vehicles from the road each year
For a customer-facing retail business, this also strengthens environmental credentials and demonstrates a clear commitment to sustainability.
Why This Project Matters
Retail businesses typically consume the most energy during daylight hours. That makes solar PV an ideal fit.
This installation proves that even mid-sized department stores can:
- Cut operational costs dramatically
- Achieve sub-three-year payback
- Improve environmental performance
- Future-proof against energy price instability
Looking to Reduce Your Business Energy Costs?
If you operate a retail store, warehouse, office, or commercial premises, solar energy could significantly reduce your overheads.
Prostar Energy designs and installs bespoke commercial solar systems across Dorset and the South West.
Contact our team today to explore how quickly solar could start saving your business money.
Interested in Solar for Your Organisation?
Whether you're a sports club, council, school, or business, ProStar Energy can help you reduce your energy costs and environmental impact with a tailored solar solution.
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