Top Gun Tools & Fixings has been a supplier to the Thompsons Group for 30 years. When they approached our solar department for a solution to their rising energy costs, we were delighted to help. Having already taken some steps towards reducing carbon within the business such as LED lighting and PIR sensors, Top Gun was ready to take the next step and take control of its energy. Having assessed the sites energy usage, a system was designed that would maximise solar generation on site.
Top Gun Tools & Fixings has been a supplier to the Thompsons Group for 30 years. When they approached our solar department for a solution to their rising energy costs, we were delighted to help. Having already taken some steps towards reducing carbon within the business such as LED lighting and PIR sensors, Top Gun was ready to take the next step and take control of its energy. Having assessed the sites energy usage, a system was designed that would maximise solar generation on site.
Installation
Top Gun is located next to Blackpool Airport and as such, an additional study was required in the form of a glint and glare assessment. Once this assessment was complete and planning permission granted, works were able to commence on site. The array consisted of 48 panels with an anti-glare coating. The installation was conducted with minimal disruption to daily business operations and completed in just a few days.
In addition to solar, 10kWh of storage was added allowing the company the store more of the energy generated and further reduce grid-sourced power.
Technical Information
Electrical consumption Prior to Solar installation: 25650kW hrs PA
Installed Solar Capacity: 25.4kW
Installed battery Capacity: 10.6kWh
Projected yield from installed solar: 19,758 kW hr PA
Net Rate of return on investment: 13.5%
Estimated reduction in grid reliance 58%
System Performance warranties (manufacturer) 25yr – 80% original performance
Environmental Benefits
Annual CO2 saving: 4091.29 tons
Equivalent trees planted: 40
Completion Commissioning, Performance
The system was commissioned at the start of January 2026 and whilst the true benefits will be more evident in summer, the business is already seeing 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
‘The entire process was excellent from start to finish. A special thanks to Lucy Boulton and Jon Kemp for their professionalism, clear communication, and hands-on support throughout — it made the whole experience seamless. The installation was smooth, well organised, and delivered exactly as promised. The system is already performing brilliantly, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. I would highly recommend Thompsons Solar to anyone considering solar.’
Chris Smith, MD, Top Gun Group
