Ardkeen Stores Waterford Goes Solar:
Delivering a 100kWp Commercial Solar PV Installation
Commercial businesses across Ireland are increasingly investing in renewable energy to reduce operating costs, improve sustainability, and protect themselves against rising electricity prices. At VEEP Energy, we are proud to help businesses achieve these goals through expertly designed and installed commercial Solar PV systems.
One of our most successful commercial projects was the installation of a 100kWp Solar PV system at Ardkeen Stores in Waterford, a busy retail destination serving thousands of customers every week. This project demonstrates how solar energy can transform high-energy commercial premises into more sustainable, cost-efficient operations while significantly reducing their environmental impact.
Ardkeen Stores Project Overview
Location: Ardkeen Stores, Tramore Road, Waterford
System Size: 100kWp Commercial Solar PV System
Commissioned: 17th October 2018
Installation Specifications
Our engineering team designed and installed a high-performance commercial Solar PV solution consisting of:
- 386 high-efficiency Solar PV modules
- 2 × 50kW SMA Tripower Core One inverters
- 1 × 20kW SMA Tripower inverter
- Direct integration into the building’s main electrical distribution board
The completed system generates approximately 97,000kWh of clean renewable electricity every year, helping to power both Ardkeen Stores and its commercial tenants.
The Challenge
Ardkeen Stores is one of Waterford’s busiest retail centres, operating throughout the day with numerous tenants, retail outlets and customer facilities.
Prior to the installation, all electricity consumed by the shopping centre was supplied solely by the national electricity grid. Like many commercial premises, the site had substantial daytime electricity demand, making it an ideal candidate for rooftop Solar PV generation.
The management team wanted to:
- Reduce dependence on electricity purchased from the grid
Lower annual operating costs- Reduce the shopping centre’s carbon footprint
- Demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability
- Achieve at least a 10% reduction in annual electricity consumption
Lower annual operating costsAs a highly visible retail destination within Waterford City, Ardkeen Stores also wanted customers to see their investment in renewable energy. During the development phase, solar panels were displayed prominently at the main entrance, allowing visitors to see first-hand the centre’s commitment to greener energy.
Careful Planning for a Busy Commercial Environment
Installing a large commercial Solar PV system on an active shopping centre presents unique challenges that require detailed planning, coordination and experience.
Unlike many commercial projects, Ardkeen Stores remained operational throughout much of the installation. This meant our project management team had to carefully coordinate every stage of the works while ensuring minimal disruption to:
- Daily shoppers
- Retail staff
- Store management
- Commercial tenants
- Supplier deliveries
- Site traffic and logistics
Our team spent almost a full week carrying out comprehensive:
- Risk assessments
- Risk mitigation planning
- Traffic management coordination
- Health and safety planning
- “Just-in-Time” delivery scheduling
This level of preparation ensured equipment and materials arrived precisely when required, reducing congestion around the busy retail site while maintaining safe working conditions for everyone involved.
The cooperation received from the Ardkeen Stores management team was instrumental in the project’s success. Their support and communication throughout both the planning and installation phases allowed the project to progress efficiently and safely.
Overcoming Unexpected Challenges
Every commercial project presents its own unique obstacles, and experienced installers know that flexibility and technical expertise are essential.
The most significant challenge occurred during the final grid connection and commissioning phase.
Because electrical integration into the building’s main supply could only take place between 9:00pm and 11:00pm, our engineers worked overnight to complete the final connection without affecting normal business operations.
During commissioning, our team discovered that the main AC breaker serving Ardkeen Stores was faulty, creating a major challenge during the re-energisation of the building.
Rather than allowing this unexpected issue to delay the project or impact trading hours, our experienced engineers quickly diagnosed the problem and worked through the night to resolve it.
Thanks to the determination, expertise and resilience of the VEEP Energy installation team, Ardkeen Stores was successfully re-energised by 5:00am—just one hour before the shopping centre opened for business.
This achievement reflects the professionalism and problem-solving approach that VEEP Energy brings to every commercial Solar PV installation.
Delivering Long-Term Savings
The completed Solar PV system now produces approximately:
- 97,000kWh of renewable electricity every year
- Around €13,200 in annual electricity savings
- Significant reductions in carbon emissions
- Improved energy independence for the shopping centre
For businesses with high daytime electricity demand, commercial solar panels provide an excellent return on investment by generating electricity precisely when it is needed most.
Instead of purchasing all electricity from the grid, Ardkeen Stores now generates a substantial portion of its own clean energy directly from its rooftop.
Supporting Sustainability in Waterford
Beyond the financial savings, this project demonstrates Ardkeen Stores’ commitment to environmental responsibility.
Every unit of solar electricity generated helps reduce reliance on fossil fuel-generated electricity, lowering greenhouse gas emissions while contributing towards Ireland’s renewable energy targets.
For customers visiting the shopping centre, the Solar PV installation serves as a visible reminder that businesses can successfully combine commercial performance with environmental responsibility.
Why Commercial Solar Makes Sense
More Irish businesses are recognising the benefits of investing in commercial Solar PV systems.
These include:
- Lower electricity bills
- Reduced exposure to rising energy prices
- Improved sustainability credentials
- Reduced carbon emissions
- Better long-term operational efficiency
- Enhanced corporate social responsibility
- Increased property value
- Excellent long-term return on investment
For retail centres, warehouses, offices, manufacturing facilities and commercial buildings with large roof areas, Solar PV offers one of the most effective ways to reduce operating costs while supporting sustainability goals.
Partner with VEEP Energy
At VEEP Energy, we specialise in designing and installing bespoke commercial Solar PV systems for businesses across Ireland. From initial feasibility studies and system design to installation, commissioning and ongoing support, our experienced team delivers reliable renewable energy solutions tailored to each client’s needs.
The successful 100kWp installation at Ardkeen Stores, Waterford is another example of how careful planning, technical expertise and close collaboration can deliver exceptional results—even in complex, high-traffic commercial environments.
If your business is looking to reduce electricity costs, improve sustainability and take control of its energy future, VEEP Energy is here to help.
Contact our team today to discuss how a commercial Solar PV installation could benefit your business and start your journey towards cleaner, more cost-effective energy.
Contact Us!
Visit www.veepenergy.ie today to discover the benefits of solar energy and learn how a professionally designed Solar PV system can help reduce your energy costs while lowering your carbon footprint.
For more information, contact our team on (01) 537 7669 or email [email protected].
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