Bright Beginnings: Powering a Greener Future for Global Pharma

When a leading global pharmaceutical manufacturer set out to reduce its reliance on imported electricity and lower its carbon footprint, they turned to Projective for a solution that would deliver real impact. The goal was to design and install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system that would generate clean, renewable energy on-site, supporting both sustainability targets, cost reduction and long-term energy resilience.

From the outset, our role was to guide the client through every stage of the journey from feasibility and design through to compliance, installation and integration with existing systems.

As with many live operational environments, this project required a thoughtful and flexible approach from the outset. Initial scoping identified gaps in site information, requiring additional discovery before further design could be carried out.

Due to the site’s proximity to a road and flight path, a glint and glare assessment was essential to ensure safety and compliance. The electrical infrastructure, dating back to the 1990s, posed integration hurdles, especially with limited spares and documentation. With backup generators in use, there were valid concerns about back-feeding and equipment protection.

Projective brought together the right tools, people and expertise to deliver a solution tailored to the site’s unique needs:

• Digital Solar Mapping: We used advanced simulation tools to assess solar irradiation, shading and layout optimisation.
• Structural Collaboration: Working with structural engineers, we evaluated rooftop loading and selected mounting systems that balanced performance with safety.
• Environmental Safeguards: Reflective analysis helped us determine the ideal panel tilt and orientation to minimise glare and environmental impact.
• Early Stakeholder Engagement: We liaised with local authorities early in the process to streamline planning and avoid delays.
• On-Site Coordination: Our team worked hand-in-hand with site personnel to ensure smooth delivery and minimal disruption.
• Regulatory Navigation: We researched and applied all relevant utility regulations, interconnection standards and building codes.
• Infrastructure Assessment: Physical surveys were conducted to assess electrical capacity, infrastructure condition and rooftop suitability.
• Smart Integration: We selected inverters and panels compatible with the site’s Building Management System (BMS), enabling intelligent control of power generation especially when generators were in use.

A key part of the project’s success was our ability to integrate the new solar system with legacy infrastructure. This included updating site documentation, evaluating wind and load tolerances, and ensuring that all components could be safely managed via the site’s existing BMS and MCCs.