Cowdrys Wholesale Bakery is a commercial bakery based on the Ferndown Industrial Estate, Wimborne. To reduce operating costs and strengthen its environmental credentials, the company partnered with DES Renewable Energy to install a rooftop solar PV system with battery storage that generates clean electricity onsite, lowers energy bills and supports its long-term sustainability goals.
Project overview
Cowdrys Wholesale Bakery commissioned DES Renewable Energy to install a 21.42 kWp solar PV system across its roof. The installation comprised 36 x 595W Tenka Solar (TKA595M-144) panels connected to a SolaX X3-PRO-20K-G2 20kW string inverter, paired with a 50kW/100kWh SolaX Aelio battery to maximise self-consumption. The project aimed to reduce electricity costs, lower carbon emissions and enhance the bakery’s long-term financial sustainability.
Project details
- Company: Cowdrys Wholesale Bakery
- Location: Old Forge Road, Ferndown Industrial Estate, Wimborne, BH21 7RR
- Solar system capacity: 21.42 kWp
- Estimated annual generation: 17,674 kWh
- Installation type: Flat industrial roof solar panels with battery storage
- Project timeline: Delivered July 2025, from survey to commissioning
The objectives
- Reduce the cost of the bakery’s constant baseload from ovens and refrigeration, cutting dependence on grid energy
- Improve environmental sustainability by reducing the bakery’s carbon footprint
- Achieve long-term operational savings and financial returns, with battery storage maximising self-consumption
- Demonstrate responsible energy practices to customers, staff and stakeholders
The solution: bespoke assessment and design
DES Renewable Energy conducted a comprehensive assessment of roof space, structural considerations and sun exposure to ensure optimal placement and system sizing, maximising energy production and long-term reliability. The system was designed with 36 x 595W Tenka Solar (TKA595M-144) panels across the bakery’s flat industrial roof, with power conversion handled by a SolaX X3-PRO-20K-G2 20kW string inverter paired with a 50kW/100kWh SolaX Aelio battery to maximise self-consumption, integrating with the site’s existing electrical infrastructure for efficient energy management. DES Renewable Energy also ensured compliance with building regulations, electrical standards and industry best practices, obtaining all necessary permits and approvals for a fully compliant and safe installation.
Installation and completion
The installation was carried out with minimal disruption to the bakery’s day-to-day operations. Panels were securely mounted, connected to the inverter and integrated with the existing electrical system. Comprehensive testing and commissioning verified the system’s performance, functionality and safety. From initial assessment to completed commissioning, DES Renewable Energy provided a turnkey solution ensuring optimal energy generation, regulatory compliance and sustainable operational savings.
The results
- Energy cost reduction: lower electricity bills and reduced reliance on grid energy
- Environmental impact: an estimated 17,674 kWh of clean energy each year, saving an estimated 3.7 tonnes of CO2 annually
- Financial returns: savings on energy costs contribute to long-term financial sustainability
- Public image: demonstrates responsible energy practices to customers, staff and stakeholders
At a glance
- 36 x 595W Tenka Solar (TKA595M-144) panels on the bakery roof
- 21.42 kWp total system capacity
- SolaX X3-PRO-20K-G2 20kW string inverter with a 50kW/100kWh SolaX Aelio battery
- An estimated 17,674 kWh of clean energy generated per year
- Reduced electricity costs and carbon footprint
Our accreditations
We are MCS certified, which guarantees that our installations have been designed, installed and commissioned to the highest standard using only MCS certified products. We are also NAPIT certified, which confirms that we are certified to install and self-certify all of our electrical installations, and we comply with the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC).
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You can see all our commercial case studies, or read about our recent installations for Blossom Fields Care Home in Bristol and Boveys Down Farm in East Devon.