Case Study: Alpha Colour Printers, Gloucester

Alpha Colour Printers

182 kWp (400 panel) installation

Powering 50% of their annual electricity needs from their solar

Alpha Colour Printers is a well-established commercial printing business, run by members of the same family, and is situated in Gloucester. Because it is an energy-intensive manufacturing business, it requires a large amount of electricity each day to operate its printing presses. To make a solid, long-term commitment to environmental sustainability, protect itself against energy market fluctuations, and position itself as a green leader in its supply chain, the company’s leadership chose to invest in commercial solar power. From the start, the project benefited from strong collaboration between the Alpha Colour Printers and Mypower teams.

The 182kWp system already provides several important operational advantages. Alpha Colour Printers now meets 50% of its annual electricity demand on-site. Most importantly, its solar energy costs just 4.18p/kWh, an 85% decrease from the previous unit rate. With a quick payback period of only 4.2 years and annual savings of £28,573, the business has achieved long-term financial stability and earned verified green credentials for its supply chain.

Value beyond price

During the tender process, the client received several quotations, including one from another local provider that was slightly cheaper. Nevertheless, Alpha Colour Printers chose to partner with Mypower because of our consultant-driven approach, careful attention to detail, and complete transparency. Instead of producing a superficial estimate or withholding important details, we took the time to plan every aspect thoroughly from the start. The client realised the long-term benefits of working with an installation partner committed to quality, proper planning, and honest advice.

Powering progress without pausing the presses

Installing a 182kWp commercial solar system on a busy, active site required careful logistical planning. At Alpha Colour Printers’ site, vehicles move frequently, with lorries and cars continually arriving and departing for deliveries and collections. Our main concern was the safety of all staff, visitors and drivers. Because the solar array covered two separate buildings, we treated the installation as two individual projects. This approach let us carry out the work without disrupting the main operational areas, so daily business operations, staff movements, and lorry deliveries could continue undisturbed.

Complete peace of mind has been worth every penny

Since the client had previously used SolarEdge technology in their home, they chose a well-established, high-quality solution for their commercial property. They appreciated SolarEdge for its advanced safety features, detailed module-level monitoring, and the fact that insurers favour it. In addition to installing the hardware on the roofs, Mypower worked closely with the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and secured a favourable agreement to export excess clean energy.

In the end, a lower price on paper does not always deliver the best outcome. By choosing Mypower, Alpha Colour Printers has made a long-term investment in cleaner, more cost-effective energy without compromising day-to-day operations. With a 182kWp solar PV system delivering significant annual savings, reducing reliance on the grid and supporting its sustainability ambitions, the project demonstrates how carefully planned commercial solar can deliver lasting financial and environmental value. It’s a powerful example of putting renewable energy to work, helping Alpha Colour Printers print a greener future for years to come.

Key facts and predictions

182 kWp (400 panels) installed.
167,210 kWh of energy produced per annum.
24.1% projected first year return on capital invested, before capital allowance benefits.
4.18p/kWh - the equivalent forward purchase price of 3.9 million units of electricity over 25 years including estimated operating & maintenance costs.
4.2 years - system payback before finance, tax and capital allowance and grant benefit.
29 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided per annum.
50% of the annual electricity demand met by solar.

“Overall, we couldn’t be happier with the whole experience. From the initial consultation through to installation and aftercare, the service from Mypower has been exceptional. If you’re considering solar, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them. Paying a little more for genuine expertise, outstanding customer service, and complete peace of mind has been worth every penny. We absolutely made the right choice.”

Amy Muldrew, Managing Director of Alpha Colour Printers.

“The team at Alpha Colour Printers were a pleasure to work with throughout the entire process. We took the time to understand their goals and determine the system size that was the best fit for the business. Seeing the 400-panel installation now live and delivering some excellent results is what it’s all about.

The customer wanted the best equipment and the highest standard of installation, and our in-house installation team have excelled themselves once again. I’m incredibly proud of this project - and I’m already missing the cakes the team used to make for my site visits and meetings!”

Dan White, Mypower's Project Manager