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The solar journey at 2 Venture Road has reached its next milestone, with the successful completion of a second phase of rooftop solar PV that responds directly to how the building is used day to day.
The building was first equipped with solar PV by Absolar in 2024, focusing on the south-facing roof, delivering 88 kWp of capacity to support the laboratories and office spaces inside the building.
From the outset, the system was designed to align closely with on-site demand, ensuring that clean energy generated on the roof was actively used within the building.
As part of ongoing performance monitoring through 2025, a clearer picture of energy use across the site emerged, as the café at 2 Venture Road, which serves as the main social hub for the park and a popular meeting place for local residents, showed consistently high electricity demand throughout the day.
From refrigeration and cooking equipment to the steady flow of coffee machines, the café plays a central role in the building’s energy profile, which shaped Phase 2 of the project.
Recently completed, the second phase added a further 132 kWp of solar PV, installed across the slate roof sections of the building.
This expansion increases the total installed capacity from 88 kWp to 220 kWp and brings a much larger share of the building’s energy use under the solar umbrella.
Crucially, the system design was informed not only by office and laboratory requirements, but also by the real-world energy needs of the café. The result is a solar installation that supports the rhythms of the building as it actually operates, from early morning coffees to busy lunchtime service.
As part of the Powered by Sunshine campaign, 2 Venture Road offers a fitting evolution of the idea, where innovation quite literally runs on sunlight.
From research and office work to conversations over coffee, everyday activity in the building is now powered by renewable solar energy.
This project reflects a broader approach to commercial solar, where data, monitoring and a detailed understanding of energy demand guide each design decision.
By expanding capacity at the right time and in the right places, 2 Venture Road continues to demonstrate how solar can be integrated into complex, mixed-use buildings in a practical and measurable way.
Absolar’s team combines advanced remote surveying with meticulous project planning and stakeholder coordination - a critical factor in delivering safe, cost-effective installations at scale.
As this project progresses, we’ll continue to share updates and outcomes; and showcase how clean energy can work hand-in-hand with thoughtful design, safety, and long-term value for businesses and communities.
If you would like to know more about your building's solar potential, you can request a free Remote Solar Survey here, or contact our friendly solar engineering team.
📍 Visit us: Engineering Centre, Southampton Science Park, Southampton, SO16 7NP
📞 Phone: 02382 680 106
✉️ Email: info@absolar.co.uk
🌐 Website: www.absolar.co.uk
👉 Or use our AI-powered solar calculator to request a Remote Solar Survey report for your property.
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