Faced with volatile energy markets and ambitious netzero targets, Suffolk County Council needed a practical solution that moved beyond energy-efficiency “quick wins” into deeper, long-term savings and decarbonisation.
The council required a reliable and secure energy source that offered a combination of financial, environmental and operational benefits.
After implementing the obvious efficiency measures – LED lighting, upgraded controls, better building management – savings plateaued at around 8% in some sites. To ensure efficient, long-term reduction in both costs and carbon, Suffolk chose to explore onsite generation and storage. They identified the car park as an opportunity to install a solar canopy and battery storage on site. However, the building’s round-the-clock critical functions, coupled with the deep complex logistics requirements of an operational car park, meant that any disruption had to be carefully managed.
To navigate these challenges, Suffolk needed expert support in managing a complex, first-of-its-kind installation that could be delivered on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of a wide range of stakeholders with varying interests and aspirations.
Through LASER’s fully compliant solar framework, the council opted for the Fully Managed route, which means LASER managed the entire project, ensuring it was fully compliant with public contract regulations.
Working closely with Suffolk and Energy Efficient Solutions Group, LASER was able to act as a trusted partner, asking the right questions and challenging both the council and the contractor to steer a complex canopy project to successful completion.
Helping turn a light-touch idea for a canopy into a full project scope, including contract-ready technical specification and ‘Employer’s Requirements’.
Providing solar modelling, feasibility work and ROI forecasts across the estate, and bringing market-wide experience that went beyond the council’s existing internal expertise.
establishing award criteria, gathering and scoring multiple quotes from the framework’s pre-vetted suppliers.
The procurement of equipment and contractors across the whole project.
LASER’s project manager worked alongside the council, acting as the Employer’s Agent under a JCT Design & Build contract to ensure efficient, safe and high-quality build on a 24/7 emergency services and Coroner’s Court site.
LASER’s tools and modelling, combined with Suffolk’s own checks, help ensure that issues were spotted and addressed quickly, and that the system continues to deliver both financial and carbon benefits over the long-term.
268 solar panels
200 kWh
144.66 MWh
27.97t CO2
The solar canopy now consistently generates around £50,000 worth of renewable electricity each year, 90% of which is used on site thanks to careful operation and battery storage. With the Beacon canopy, existing rooftop solar and battery storage forming a core part of the council’s move toward decentralised energy, on-site solar generation now underpins Suffolk’s efforts to reduce price volatility and deliver on its climate emergency commitments.
The project demonstrates how local authorities can take a disciplined, investment-led approach to decarbonisation. By combining clear strategic intent, robust financial modelling and experienced delivery support, Suffolk County Council has created a visible, high-performing asset that cuts costs, reduces carbon and strengthens long-term energy resilience.
Suffolk County Council’s solar canopy and battery project at it’s Beacon House site is a flagship example of how local authorities can cut costs and carbon while investing in their estate.
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