Rising energy costs are placing growing pressure on care providers, but well-designed solar solutions can offer a practical route to long-term savings. This case study explores how Solar4Good supported First Care Services Limited to significantly reduce electricity costs while maintaining reliable, high-quality care delivery.
First Care Services Limited is a locally owned, independent care home committed to providing essential healthcare and support services to residents in Birmingham and Solihull. As a care facility, it depends heavily on electricity to power lighting, heating, medical devices, and daily operational activities crucial for resident wellbeing. Ensuring a reliable and continuous energy supply is vital to deliver safe, high-quality care.
With rising energy costs placing increasing pressure on operational budgets, First Care Services Limited sought a long-term, sustainable solution that would reduce electricity expenditure while ensuring continuity of care and operational stability.
Challenges
Energy demand within healthcare and care environments is both significant and consistent. Electricity is required throughout the day to support clinical equipment, environmental controls and core operational needs, making facilities particularly vulnerable to fluctuating and rising energy prices. For First Care Services Limited, escalating energy costs were limiting financial flexibility and placing strain on budgets that could otherwise be directed towards care services, staffing and facility improvements.
Solution
To address these challenges, Solar4Good designed and implemented a tailored 77kW commercial solar PV system. The system was engineered to maximise daytime energy generation, aligning closely with the facility’s peak operational hours. This design strategy maximises self-consumption, allowing the home to substantially lower its dependence on mains electricity during peak demand times.
By designing the system around the realities of a healthcare setting, Solar4Good delivered a solution that supports reliable, efficient operations while maintaining the uninterrupted energy supply required for high-quality care delivery.
Results
The installation has delivered substantial and measurable benefits. Annual electricity costs have decreased from approximately £80,000 to £36,000, resulting in significant ongoing savings for the home. These savings allow First Care Services Limited to reinvest in staffing, resident comfort, facility enhancements, and long-term service quality.
Reduced energy overheads also provide greater scope for investment in improved care services, upgraded medical and support equipment and enhanced living environments. In addition to financial benefits, the solar PV system supports environmental responsibility, reducing the facility’s carbon footprint by an estimated 12–15 tonnes of CO₂ annually.
This collaboration demonstrates how well-designed solar solutions can support both financial sustainability and high standards of care. By lowering energy costs and reducing environmental impact, the project has helped to future-proof operations while delivering meaningful benefits for residents and the wider community.
