North Devon District Hospital & Community Hospitals | 400kW Multi-Site Solar PV and Energy Efficiency Project
400kW Solar PV | Four NHS Hospital Sites | LED Lighting Upgrades | CHP Integration | Under 5-Year Payback | Over 20% Estimated Annual ROI
When it comes to powering hospitals, reliability, efficiency and financial responsibility are essential.
For North Devon's NHS hospital network, the challenge was to reduce substantial electricity costs while supporting buildings that provide vital healthcare services to local communities.
Callidus delivered a comprehensive 400kWp solar PV project across four hospital locations, combining renewable electricity generation with a major lighting efficiency upgrade and integration with existing electrical infrastructure.
At the centre of the project was North Devon District Hospital (NDDH) in Barnstaple, where a 250kWp solar installation was integrated with the incoming grid supply and an existing combined heat and power (CHP) system.
Three additional 50kWp installations were delivered at Bideford, Holsworthy and South Molton Community Hospitals.
The Challenge – Reducing Energy Costs Without Compromising Essential Services
Hospitals are among the most energy-dependent buildings in the public sector.
From lighting, medical equipment and communications to heating, ventilation and general building services, electricity is essential to their operation.
Unlike many commercial buildings, hospitals cannot simply switch off essential systems when energy demand increases.
The challenge was therefore to reduce electricity consumption and operating costs while maintaining the reliability required within a healthcare environment.
With four different sites, each featuring different roof constructions and electrical requirements, the installation also required a flexible engineering approach.
The Solution – 400kW Across Four NHS Sites
The project incorporated four commercial solar installations:
| Hospital | Solar PV capacity |
|---|---|
| North Devon District Hospital, Barnstaple | 250kWp |
| Bideford Community Hospital | 50kWp |
| Holsworthy Community Hospital | 50kWp |
| South Molton Community Hospital | 50kWp |
| Total installed capacity | 400kWp |
Each system was designed around the electrical requirements and structural characteristics of its particular building.
The installations involved a combination of slate roofs, tiled roofs and flat roofs, requiring different mounting solutions to accommodate the existing structures.
North Devon District Hospital – Integrating Solar, CHP and Grid Electricity
The largest installation was at the main North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple.
Its 250kWp solar PV system was integrated into the existing electrical infrastructure, working alongside the incoming National Grid supply and an established combined heat and power system.
The CHP installation provided an additional on-site source of energy, while the solar panels generated renewable electricity during daylight hours.
Together, the technologies helped reduce reliance on purchased grid electricity while supporting the hospital's substantial electrical requirements.
The integration of solar generation, CHP and grid electricity demonstrates how multiple energy sources can contribute to the operation of a major healthcare facility.
More Than Solar – A Complete LED Lighting Upgrade
A particularly important part of the project was the replacement of existing lighting with modern, energy-efficient LED technology.
By combining solar generation with reduced electricity demand, the project tackled energy costs from two directions:
- Generate electricity more efficiently: Install solar PV to supply renewable energy directly to hospital buildings.
- Consume less electricity: Replace older lighting with energy-efficient LED fittings to reduce demand.
This combined approach improved the financial performance of the investment while reducing the electricity required to operate the hospitals.
Strong Financial Returns – Payback in Under Five Years
Despite the different roof types, multiple locations and electrical integration requirements, the combined project achieved an estimated payback of just under five years.
This represents an estimated annual simple return on investment of over 20%.
Financial highlights
- Over 20% estimated annual simple ROI
- Under 5-year estimated payback period
- 400kWp combined solar generating capacity
- Over 200% gross cumulative return over 10 years
- Over 100% net cumulative ROI over 10 years
- Over 400% gross cumulative return over 20 years
- Over 300% net cumulative ROI over 20 years
- Reduced long-term hospital electricity expenditure
- Additional savings through the LED lighting replacement programme
These are simplified projections based on the reported payback period, assuming consistent annual financial savings and excluding maintenance, degradation, financing and other costs.
System Specifications
- Client: Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust / North Devon District Hospital and community hospitals
- Locations: Barnstaple, Bideford, Holsworthy and South Molton
- Total solar PV capacity: 400kWp
- Main hospital installation: 250kWp
- Community hospital installations: 3 × 50kWp
- Roof types: Slate, tile and flat roofs
- Electrical integration: Existing hospital grid infrastructure
- Additional generation: CHP integration at North Devon District Hospital
- Energy efficiency: Lighting replacement and LED upgrade
- Estimated annual simple ROI: Over 20%
- Estimated payback: Just under 5 years
- Project objective: Reduce NHS energy expenditure while supporting essential hospital operations
Supporting the NHS Through Smarter Energy Infrastructure
This project demonstrates how renewable electricity generation and energy efficiency improvements can work together to deliver substantial long-term savings for the public sector.
By combining 400kW of solar generation across four hospital sites, a comprehensive LED lighting upgrade and CHP integration at the main hospital, the installation delivered a coordinated approach to reducing electricity costs.
For the NHS, savings on energy expenditure represent money that can be directed towards maintaining facilities and supporting the delivery of healthcare services.
With an annual simple return exceeding 20% and a payback of under five years, the project demonstrates that investing in renewable energy can deliver financial value while supporting essential public services.
Callidus Trade – Engineered Energy Solutions for Critical Infrastructure.
