KPMF and AR Power: Combining cost reduction and sustainability through solar PV
Overview
Kay Premium Marking Films (KPMF) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality self-adhesive vinyl films with a history dating back to 1991. Based in South Wales, the company originally began operations in a purpose-built 6,000m² factory and has developed a strong reputation for supplying high-quality films to the graphics and printing industries.
KPMF has become particularly well known for its vehicle wrapping films, while its product portfolio also includes films for signage, graphics, automotive and functional applications. The company has access to extensive laboratory facilities and provides technical services including product testing and performance validation.
As a manufacturing business, managing energy consumption and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency are important considerations. For KPMF, solar PV offered an opportunity to address both the financial and environmental aspects of its energy use.
Project Overview
KPMF began exploring the possibility of installing solar PV as part of its plans to reduce energy costs while also delivering environmental benefits.
With contact between the two companies initially taking place in February 2025, other capital commitments at KPMF were taking priority, therefore, the project was put on hold. AR Power maintained contact and re-engaged with KPMF when the timing was right.
As the company looked to move forward, several potential installers were considered with four companies initially being involved in the process, with response times and the quality of information provided varying between suppliers.
AR Power quickly emerged as a strong contender, providing a system proposal that was in line with KPMF’s expectations, however, cost was not the only consideration. KPMF also assessed the length of time each installer had been established, their financial stability, level of expertise, experience of delivering similar projects in the local area, feedback from previous customers and their approach to health and safety.
AR Power met KPMF’s requirements across these areas, giving the company confidence that it was choosing an experienced and reliable partner to deliver the project.
Project Specifications
AR Power’s in-house team designed and delivered a bespoke solar PV system tailored to the site’s requirements:
- System size: 290 kWp
- Number of panels: 638
- Estimated annual generation: 274,921 kWh
- Annual CO₂ reduction: 53,755 kg/year
- Cost savings per year (£): £53,994
Delivering the Project
Once the project was agreed, AR Power managed the installation from the initial concept through to final system handover.
Speaking about the project, KPMF’s Finance Director, David Harding, commented, “The project from the initial concept of what could be achieved to the system handover was professionally handled throughout.
Each employee we worked with was experienced and professional. The installation team in particular had difficult working conditions to deal with due to the temperatures during July and August. The commitment they showed was first class and I believe they completed the project a little ahead of schedule.
This focus on professional project management, communication and safe working was particularly important to KPMF given the nature of our manufacturing environment.”
Outcome
The completed solar PV installation provides KPMF with an opportunity to generate renewable electricity on site, helping to reduce its reliance on electricity from the grid.
The benefits of the project extend beyond the installation itself with the system supporting two of the company’s key objectives for the project: reducing energy costs and delivering environmental benefits.
The investment provides KPMF with a long-term renewable energy asset while supporting its wider approach to environmental management.
Reflecting on the project, David said, “We would certainly recommend AR Power to anyone thinking of solar PV. The project from the initial concept of what could be achieved to the system handover was professionally handled throughout.”
Conclusion
For KPMF, the decision to invest in solar PV was driven by two clear objectives: reducing energy costs and improving the environmental impact of its operations, therefore, choosing the right installation partner was a crucial part of the process.
With several companies considered, AR Power stood out not only because its proposal met KPMF’s financial expectations but because of its experience, financial stability, track record, technical expertise and approach to health and safety.
Head of Commercial at AR Power, Stephen Armstrong, commented on the success of the project, “This has been an excellent project to work on and demonstrates how we can support clients not only with cost saving but excellent sustainability objectives.
Our installation team, despite the challenging weather conditions, showed their expertise, experience and commitment to health and safety throughout the project which resulted in the successful outcome.”
If you would like to discuss installing solar for your business or organisation, please get in touch with us today. We are more than happy to have an exploratory conversation with you and to answer any questions you have.
