650kWp Solar PV, PrimarkDistribution Centre, Kettering
650kWp of photovoltaics on Primark’s distribution centre at Kettering, delivered with Kingspan and Sir Robert McAlpine. Distribution centres are close to the ideal solar host — vast unshaded roofs above operations that draw power all day.
Project summary
650kWp of photovoltaics on Primark’s distribution centre at Kettering, delivered with Kingspan and Sir Robert McAlpine. Distribution centres are close to the ideal solar host — vast unshaded roofs above operations that draw power all day.
- Client Primark / Kingspan / Sir Robert McAlpine
- Scale 650kWp
- Completed 2016
- Location Kettering, Northamptonshire
- Service Distribution centre solar
- Installer MARA Electrical — NICEIC approved, MCS certified, based in Queensferry, Deeside
A Purpose-Built Logistics Roof
Modern distribution centres are designed with clear structural spans and minimal roof clutter — which happens to make them excellent solar platforms.
- Client
- Primark
- Main contractors
- Kingspan / Sir Robert McAlpine
- Location
- Kettering, Northamptonshire
- System size
- 650kWp
- Completed
- 2016
- Delivered by
- MARA Electrical — MCS certified, NICEIC approved
Solar as Part of a Major Construction Programme
Primark’s Kettering distribution centre was delivered by Sir Robert McAlpine, one of the UK’s largest principal contractors. Installing 650kWp of solar within that programme means working as part of a much bigger construction sequence rather than arriving at a finished building.
That has real advantages. Coordinating the array with the roof installation avoids double-handling, keeps the waterproofing detail clean, and means cable routes are planned into the building rather than retrofitted around it. It also imposes discipline: on a major site your works have to hit their slot in the programme, because everything behind you depends on it.
The result is an array integrated into the building from the outset — and a distribution operation that started life with substantial on-site generation already in place.
Distribution Centre Installation
650kWp integrated into a major construction programme for a principal contractor.
650kWp Photovoltaic Array
Installation of 650kWp across the distribution centre roof, coordinated with the Kingspan roofing package.
Programme Integration
Works sequenced into Sir Robert McAlpine’s construction programme, coordinated with roofing, M&E and commissioning.
Electrical Design & Connection
DC and AC design, protection and connection into the building’s electrical infrastructure from first fix.
Commissioning & Certification
Full testing, MCS certification and handover as part of the building’s overall completion.
The Kettering Installation
What Primark Got
650kWp From Day One
A distribution centre that began operating with substantial renewable generation already installed and commissioned.
Lower Operating Costs
Generation consumed on site by lighting, handling equipment and building services through the working day.
Integrated, Not Retrofitted
Cable routes, roof detailing and structural provision designed in during construction rather than added afterwards.
Principal Contractor Standards
Delivered to the programme, documentation and site standards a Tier 1 contractor requires.
Working With Principal Contractors
We have delivered solar within construction programmes for Sir Robert McAlpine, ISG, KIER, Rydon, Vinci, Medas Construction, Newry Construction, Nobles Construction and FK Construction — alongside long-running work with Kingspan.
Main contractors reappoint subcontractors who turn up, hit the programme and produce the paperwork. That track record is why we are trusted on major projects, and it is the same discipline we bring to a single commercial roof in Deeside, Chester or Wrexham.
Whatever your building type, we survey it, design for it and certify it. Talk to us about commercial solar panel installation, or browse the full solar portfolio.
Solar for the Kettering Logistics Area
This project is recorded as Primark’s Kettering distribution centre in Northamptonshire. Primark’s distribution building near Islip sits beside the A14, a key reference point for the area’s logistics operations. Large distribution roofs and daytime electrical demand make rooftop solar PV relevant to businesses across this corridor.
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Questions About This Project
Who carried out the Primark Distribution Centre Solar PV project?
MARA Electrical carried out the Primark Distribution Centre Solar PV project for Primark / Kingspan / Sir Robert McAlpine. MARA Electrical are NICEIC approved electrical contractors and MCS certified solar installers, based in Queensferry on Deeside, serving Chester, Flintshire, Wrexham and North Wales.
How large is the Primark Distribution Centre Solar PV installation?
The Primark Distribution Centre Solar PV installation is 650kWp. It was completed in 2016 at Kettering, Northamptonshire.
When was the Primark Distribution Centre Solar PV project completed?
The Primark Distribution Centre Solar PV project was completed in 2016.
Does MARA Electrical work outside North Wales?
Yes. MARA Electrical are based in Queensferry, Deeside and serve Chester, Flintshire, Wrexham and North Wales as their core area, but commercial projects have been delivered across the UK including Manchester, Liverpool, Kettering, Southampton, Norfolk and Scotland.
Solar Within a Construction Programme?
We work with principal contractors nationwide, integrating solar PV into new-build programmes from first fix to commissioning. Talk to us early — it is always cheaper than retrofitting.
or email solar@mara.uk.com · see all solar projects