Thompsons Solar was approached by HeliSpeed, an aviation specialist in Blackpool through a referral from Blackpool Unlimited. We were asked to deliver a solution that would provide a low carbon energy source to help support their business. HeliSpeed is located on the edge of Blackpool Airport, and so care needed to be taken within the design using specific anti-glare solar panels.
Installation
As part of the pre-installation, planning permission was sought with the submission of a glint and glare assessment along with grid-connection.
Thompsons Solar was approached by HeliSpeed, an aviation specialist in Blackpool through a referral from Blackpool Unlimited. We were asked to deliver a solution that would provide a low carbon energy source to help support their business. HeliSpeed is located on the edge of Blackpool Airport, and so care needed to be taken within the design using specific anti-glare solar panels.
Installation
As part of the pre-installation, planning permission was sought with the submission of a glint and glare assessment along with grid-connection. 60 panels were installed on the south facing roof of the business with the inverter being located in an internal plant room. The system has been designed with future expansion in mind by means of a hybrid inverter. This will allow for battery installation in the future should they wish to further increase their energy independence. Site consumption monitoring was also included in the installation.
Technical Information
Electrical consumption Prior to Solar installation: 23,000kW hrs PA
Installed Solar Capacity: 30kW
Projected yield from installed solar: 22,935kW hr PA
Net Rate of return on investment: 27.4%
Estimated reduction in grid reliance 58.6%
System Performance warranties (manufacturer) 25yr – 80% original performance
Environmental Benefits
Annual CO2 saving: 4749.15tons
Equivalent trees planted: 47
Completion Commissioning, Performance
The system was commissioned mid-December 2025 with the business seeing instant reductions on its electricity bills. Remote monitoring enables the system to be monitored by both the client and Thompsons Solar to ensure it is performing correctly over the lifetime of the installation.
Customer feedback
‘Thompsons Solar delivered a complete turnkey solution for the installation of a solar panel system at the Helispeed Helicopter Training Academy at Blackpool Airport. From initial design and feasibility through to securing all required airport and regulatory approvals and final installation, their team managed the entire project professionally and efficiently.
Working adjacent to a busy operational airport presents complex safety and compliance challenges, all of which Thompsons Solar handled expertly by coordinating closely with airport authorities and relevant stakeholders. This ensured the installation was completed safely and without disruption to our flight training activities.
The installed system directly supports HeliSpeed’s helicopter pilot training and simulator operations by providing a reliable and sustainable source of energy for our training facilities. The system has been designed to be future-ready, allowing for further enhancements and improvements as our operational and training requirements evolve.
Delivered on schedule and to a high standard, the project reinforces HeliSpeed’s commitment to sustainability while supporting the resilience and efficiency of our training environment. We would confidently recommend Thompsons Solar as a knowledgeable and dependable solar installation partner, particularly for complex installations within highly regulated aviation settings.’
Geoff Packer, CEO, HeliSpeed
