UPOWA completes 1.25MW rooftop solar array at London Biggin Hill Airport, accelerating Bombardier's sustainability journey
Leading sustainable technology experts UPOWA in partnership with Zestec Renewable Energy, a funder, developer and asset manager of renewable solutions, announces the completion of a 1.25MW rooftop solar PV system for world-leading business jet and military aircraft manufacturer Bombardier, at their nearly 250,000 sq. ft. service centre located at London Biggin Hill Airport.
UPOWA worked with Zestec, part of the Octopus Energy group, to deploy a rooftop mounted solar array to power Bombardier’s service facility with on-site renewable energy. UPOWA managed all aspects of the project in collaboration with Zestec and client project teams. This included full design, project management, DNO approval, construction, and commissioning.
A total of 3,023 solar panels will be supplying zero-carbon electricity to help reduce demand for electricity from the grid. Bombardier’s energy costs will be offset by up to £85,000 in the first year of generation, an up to 38% saving on their grid-supplied tariff. The solar PV system will generate approximately 1,133,000 kWh in its first year, lowering annual carbon emissions by up to 252 Tonnes.
This solar PV project is a critical step in Bombardier’s clean energy transition, demonstrating the company’s ambition to reduce its environmental footprint and increase self-generated energy from renewable sources. This initiative is part of Bombardier’s global environmental plan, which aims to achieve a 25% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 relative to 2019 levels.
“I’m delighted to see UPOWA and Zestec complete this exciting commercial solar project at Biggin Hill Airport, for Bombardier. Upgrading the unused hangar roofspace with solar panels will allow Bombardier to produce renewable energy on-site, resulting in long-term cost and carbon reductions. This will support their ongoing sustainability commitments and help to future-proof their operations against increasing energy prices. We look forward to working in partnership with Zestec on more funded solar projects, using our end-to-end expertise to help drive the UK’s transition to a greener, more sustainable future.”
“This is rooftop solar at its best; not only have the team worked incredibly well to deliver the project on time and to high standards, but the finished product looks stunning and is delivering significant carbon savings. The Bombardier team have been brilliant to work with through the development and construction of this fully funded project, and we’re grateful to their forward-thinking landlord, London Metric, for supporting the project from day one.”
Bombardier’s expanded London Biggin Hill Service Centre nears 250,000 square feet and provides customers with complete heavy maintenance capabilities. It is fully equipped to perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, modifications and avionics installations for Bombardier Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft.
Designing and installing airport solar requires extra considerations compared to a usual rooftop system. Working with Zestec, UPOWA ensured a controlled process from design through to installation and commissioning, making sure there was no added risk to airport privacy and operations.
The 1.25 MW PV system has been carefully designed to ensure there is no glint and glare for planes landing on the airport runway. With limited and controlled access during construction, UPOWA and Zestec ensured an organised and timely approach to avoid disruption to Bombardier’s schedule.
With all airports, foreign object debris (FOD) risk is a key consideration. This meant all materials and PV modules had to be meticulously unpacked outside the airside area. Bespoke bird hazard management was also required to ensure aerodrome safety. UPOWA install netting at the solar array’s perimeter, to avoid attracting birds and creating risk to aircraft.
Owned and managed by Zestec, the commercial rooftop solar array is supporting Bombardier’s UK operations to build a greener future, contributing to the UK’s energy transition and drive for net zero.
About Bombardier
At Bombardier (BBD-B.TO), we design, build, modify and maintain the world’s best-performing aircraft for the world’s most discerning people and businesses, governments and militaries. That means not simply exceeding standards, but understanding customers well enough to anticipate their unspoken needs.
For them, we are committed to pioneering the future of aviation—innovating to make flying more reliable, efficient and sustainable. And we are passionate about delivering unrivaled craftsmanship and care, giving our customers greater confidence and the elevated experience they deserve and expect. Because people who shape the world will always need the most productive and responsible ways to move through it.
Bombardier customers operate a fleet of approximately 5,000 aircraft, supported by a vast network of Bombardier team members worldwide and 10 service facilities across six countries. Bombardier’s performance-leading jets are proudly manufactured in aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico.