Numatic International, the renowned manufacturer of Henry Hoovers, has unveiled a £1 million solar farm in Chard, Somerset, marking a pioneering step in sustainable manufacturing in the UK. This innovative micro-solar-park spans five acres and is installed by SunGift Solar, designed to tackle rising energy costs while reducing environmental impact.
The solar farm features 2,672 advanced AIKO All-Back-Contact (ABC) photovoltaic panels coupled with Sigenergy’s hybrid inverters, enabling it to generate over seven percent more energy per panel compared to traditional ground-mounted solar arrays. This clean energy solution will power Numatic’s plastic moulding operations—a highly energy-intensive part of producing Henry Hoovers—directly from sunlight.
Expected to meet about 20% of the factory’s annual electricity demand, the solar array’s output can spike to 100% on sunny days. This translates to manufacturing the equivalent of 500,000 Henry vacuum cleaners yearly fueled entirely by solar power. Moreover, the initiative will reduce the company’s carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 267 tonnes annually, equivalent to removing approximately 58 average passenger cars from the road each year.
READ MORE: Somerset Secondary School to Expand with £4.5m Investment, Adding 150 New Places
READ MORE: Revised Plans Proposed for 90 Homes on Flood-Prone Field Near Somerset Rugby Club
Stephen George, Numatic’s Regulatory Affairs and Sustainability Manager, emphasized the company’s commitment: “This investment not only lowers our environmental footprint but also protects our manufacturing from escalating energy costs. ‘Operation Cleansweep’ embodies our sustainability goals, showing how innovation can transform small spaces into impactful energy solutions. This project accelerates our path to achieving Net Zero by 2035.”
The solar farm promises financial sustainability as well, with the investment expected to pay for itself in under five years and possibly as quickly as two and a half years given current electricity prices.
Gabriel Wondrausch, Director at SunGift Solar, highlighted the innovative use of space and technology: “Originally planned for expansion, this compact site has become a valuable energy asset for Numatic. It serves as a model for other manufacturers, demonstrating how even small parcels of land adjacent to industrial sites can be converted into efficient, direct-feed solar power hubs.”
By combining cutting-edge solar technology with a strong sustainability vision, Numatic International is setting a benchmark for eco-friendly manufacturing while powering the production of half a million Henry Hoovers each year with the power of the sun.