Vines BMW Saves £200,000 a Year with Solar from TLGEC
Driving Sustainability: How Vines BMW Saves £200,000 a Year with Solar Power from The Little Green Energy Company
When leading automotive retailer Vines BMW wanted to take its sustainability commitments further and gain control over soaring energy costs, it turned to The Little Green Energy Company (TLGEC) — one of the UK’s most experienced commercial solar specialists.
Following a detailed consultation and design process, TLGEC delivered a 600kW solar PV system across three of Vines’ dealership sites. The result: £200,000 in annual savings, 148 tonnes of CO₂ avoided each year, and an energy solution that supports both profitability and the company’s environmental goals.
The Challenge
As a trusted family-run BMW retailer, Vines Group prides itself on being ahead of the curve — whether that’s in customer service, innovation, or environmental leadership. Over recent years, the business had already made efficiency gains through LED lighting and upgraded utility management systems.
However, with energy prices rising sharply, Managing Director Sean Kelly knew it was time to go further.
“We’d already done the easy things — LEDs, management systems, all of that,” explains Sean. “But utility bills had gone a lot higher. Solar seemed like the natural next step. The main driver was cost, but it also supports our ESG commitments and our wider green initiatives.”
Sean and his team invited several providers to tender for the project. The goal was clear: find a long-term partner who could deliver measurable savings, uncompromising quality, and a seamless installation experience across multiple dealership sites.
The Solution
After a competitive process, The Little Green Energy Company was selected as Vines’ partner of choice. What set TLGEC apart was its personal approach and track record of technical excellence.
“We’re a family business, and we do a lot of things based on how they feel,” says Sean. “TLGEC had personality — not just a program and a spreadsheet. They made the project come to life and were dead easy to do business with.”
TLGEC designed and installed five individual solar PV systems across three Vines BMW dealerships, using market-leading components for maximum performance and reliability.
Each system was tailored to the unique roof layout and power profile of the site. A specialist surveyor carried out detailed measurements, drone inspections, and infrastructure assessments to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
“We obtain accurate measurements to give you a solution that won’t change from day one,” explains Ollie, Head of Commercial Sales at TLGEC. “Vines came to us looking to achieve maximum financial savings and a meaningful impact on their carbon footprint — and that’s exactly what we delivered.”
Project Snapshot
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 600 kW |
| Number of Panels | 1,200 |
| Sites | 3 dealership locations |
| Annual Savings | £200,000 |
| 5-Year Savings | £1,000,000 |
| CO₂ Reduction | 148 tonnes per year |
| Partner | The Little Green Energy Company |
The Process
Delivering a multi-site commercial solar project while keeping dealership operations running smoothly required careful coordination and communication.
“We have a high volume of customers and vehicles on site every day,” says Emma, Facilities Manager at Vines BMW. “The team were brilliant at giving us detailed plans and drawings in advance — we knew exactly where scaffolding and materials would go, so we could plan ahead and avoid disruption. It was all very well organised.”
Throughout the project, Vines BMW had a dedicated TLGEC Project Manager, Karrianne, providing a single point of contact from design through to completion.
“Our commercial clients appreciate that continuity,” says Karrianne. “They know they can reach their project manager at any time, and even after installation we continue to monitor systems remotely to ensure they’re delivering the best return on investment.”
This personal approach, combined with over 15 years of renewable energy expertise, has earned TLGEC a reputation for quality, reliability, and word-of-mouth referrals.
“We treat every installation as if it were our own,” adds Karrianne. “That care is visible in our work — and our customers notice it.”
The Results
The results have exceeded expectations.
With over 1,200 panels generating clean electricity, the Vines BMW installations are forecast to deliver:
- £200,000+ annual savings on electricity costs
- £1 million in savings over five years
- 148 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided each year
“Solar’s a smart investment — not only now, but for the future,” says Alex, Head of Operations at TLGEC. “With business energy prices on the rise and payback periods shorter than ever, commercial solar systems like Vines BMW are setting a benchmark for what’s possible.”
Beyond the numbers, the installations reinforce Vines BMW’s leadership in sustainability — aligning with both BMW Group’s environmental strategy and growing customer expectations for greener, more responsible businesses.
Why It Matters
For Vines BMW, solar is more than a financial decision — it’s a strategic one.
By investing in renewable energy, the company is future-proofing its operations, strengthening its brand, and demonstrating to customers that sustainability is at the heart of everything it does.
“This project shows how forward-thinking businesses can combine profitability with environmental responsibility,” says Sean. “For us, it’s a win-win.”
Partnering with The Little Green Energy Company
The Little Green Energy Company (TLGEC) has been designing and delivering renewable energy solutions for over 15 years, helping commercial clients across the UK cut costs and carbon through high-performance solar PV systems.
Whether you operate a single site or a nationwide network, our team of experts will help you unlock the financial and environmental benefits of solar power.
Ready to reduce your business energy costs?
Talk to our commercial solar team today.
