NEWS STORIES

Carman Contracting completes solar installation at Leatherhead Trade Park

Carman Contracting has completed a multi-unit solar installation at Leatherhead Trade Park in Surrey, its second project for high-end fit-out and refurbishment specialist West 1.

The project follows the successful delivery of a complex office refurbishment at Monck Street and further strengthens the working relationship between the two businesses.

Delivered over a 6–7-week programme, the scheme involved the design and installation of bespoke solar PV arrays, ranging from small to large, for eight industrial units on the estate. In total, 386 panels were installed, providing a combined capacity of 175 kWp of direct current (DC) power. The main objective of the project was to improve the EPC ratings of each unit, helping to futureproof the buildings and improve their long-term value.

Working in a busy trading environment presented a number of challenges. The estate is home to a range of businesses, trade suppliers, and retail outlets, including Screwfix and Magnet Kitchens. So, with a constant flow of customers, trades, and deliveries, careful planning and coordination were required to minimise disruption throughout the installation.

Each unit also featured a different roof layout with multiple skylights. This meant our team had to take a flexible, design-led approach to ensure safe installation around the fragile skylights and to achieve optimal panel placement while still meeting the required system performance across all units.

With the Leatherhead Trade Estate installation now complete, we’re continuing to build momentum in the renewables sector, supporting clients with practical, high-quality solutions that deliver long-lasting benefits.