Case Study: Elis Reading - Commercial Solar Lighting for Car Park and Service Yard
Client Overview
Elis provides commercial laundry services with UK-wide delivery, alongside complete washroom solutions, flat linen rental and workwear rental services. Operating within a circular service model, Elis helps organisations maintain high standards of hygiene while reducing their environmental impact through reuse, maintenance and efficient resource management.
At the Elis site in Reading, the business required a reliable and sustainable outdoor lighting solution to improve safety and security across key operational areas, while aligning with its commitment to responsible and efficient operations.
Project Scope
We were appointed to design and install a solar lighting solution for two key areas of the site:
The front car park, used by staff and visiting customers
The rear service yard, a high-traffic operational area for incoming and outgoing deliveries
Neither area had access to a mains power supply. This made traditional powered lighting both costly and disruptive due to the need for trenching and cabling. The project was also constrained by a clearly defined total CAPEX budget, requiring a carefully tailored solution.
The Solution
A Bespoke Commercial Solar Lighting Plan
We designed a fully custom solar lighting solution that included both supply and installation. By removing the need for electrical infrastructure, we were able to significantly reduce installation costs while maximising lighting coverage across the site.
Additional solar lights were included to illuminate pedestrian walkways and access routes in both the car park and the rear yard, improving safety and usability throughout the site.
Key Features of the Solution
Energy Independent Design
Standalone solar lighting eliminated the need for mains power
Ideal for areas with no electrical access
Substantial savings achieved by avoiding groundwork and cabling
Designed for UK Conditions
High-capacity batteries with fast solar charging
Reliable year-round performance in UK weather
Long operational life with minimal maintenance requirements
Improved Safety and Security
Enhanced visibility across the car park and service yard
Clearly illuminated staff walkways and access routes
Improved safety during early mornings, evenings and winter months
Increased security for staff, vehicles and the wider premises
The rear yard is in constant use by lorries and vans between 6am and 6pm, and the new lighting supports safe vehicle movements throughout operational hours.
Budget-Focused Custom Design
The solution was designed to stay fully within Elis’ total CAPEX budget
Lighting locations were optimised to achieve maximum coverage with minimal assets
A strong balance was achieved between performance, reliability and cost efficiency
Installation
We completed the installation efficiently with minimal disruption to daily site operations. Solar lighting units were positioned around the front car park, rear yard and key access points to ensure continuous, reliable illumination for both pedestrians and vehicles.
Results
Reduced Installation Costs
By removing the need for electrical infrastructure, we delivered a solution that significantly reduced upfront costs while meeting all project requirements.
Improved Health and Safety
The solar lighting solution greatly improved site visibility, supporting staff safety and compliance, particularly during low-light and winter conditions.
Enhanced Site Security
Improved lighting helps deter unauthorised access and enhances overall site security, protecting staff, vehicles and business assets.
Sustainable Outcome
The project supports Elis’ sustainability goals by using renewable solar energy and reducing ongoing carbon emissions associated with traditional lighting systems.
Conclusion
This project at Elis Reading highlights how we deliver practical, cost-effective solar lighting solutions for operational sites with limited infrastructure. By designing a bespoke system that met both budget and performance requirements, we improved safety, security and sustainability across the site while future-proofing its outdoor lighting for years to come.
