Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies (CWST) is a global leader in material surface improvement, operating across 70 divisions worldwide.
Faced with the challenges of Europe’s 2022 energy crisis and a growing commitment to sustainability, CWST’s UK team identified solar energy as a strategic investment for its Newbury site. Led by Senior Business Manager Neill Sheward, the team recognised early that a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) would be the ideal funding model.
Why a PPA?
- The scale of the Newbury site meant a suitably sized solar system would require significant upfront capital.
- CWST was keen to avoid taking on debt or impacting its balance sheet.
- A PPA structure would allow CWST to benefit immediately from clean energy without any upfront costs.
Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies (CWST) by numbers
System size:
259.74 kWp
Equipment installed:
444 x DEMGC Solar modules, 3 x Solis inverters
PPA term:
30 years
The solution
CWST partnered with Zestec and Smart Ease, who guided the business through the PPA process. Together, they appointed Low Carbon Energy, one of the UK’s leading commercial solar installers, to deliver the installation.
“There were several key milestones to enable the project to proceed and many interactions between CWST, Zestec, Smart Ease, and Low Carbon,” said Gaige Ross Director of Smart Ease UK. “But the teams came together in harmony to enable a slick development and installation process.”
The project was co-developed by Smart Ease and Zestec, and made possible through Octopus Energy Generation’s PPA finance solution. Low Carbon Energy delivered the system with technical excellence, while Zestec’s deep experience ensured risks were managed, health and safety standards were met, and the solution remained commercially sustainable for the long term.
One major challenge was identified early: the condition of the Newbury site’s roof.
“The roof wasn’t in a condition to support solar for decades ahead,” explained Jamie Morrison Head of Business Development at Zestec Renewable Energy “so we incorporated a full roof reskin within the PPA structure.”
Once the reskin was complete, Low Carbon Energy installed 444 DEMGC solar modules with three Solis inverters.
By late September 2024, CWST’s 259.74kWp solar system was successfully commissioned.
The results
For the CWST Newbury team, the benefits are immediate and long-lasting:
- A new roof and solar installation provide infrastructure resilience and energy security for the next 30+ years.
- The PPA arrangement delivers the advantages of solar without any upfront capital outlay.
- As PPA providers, Zestec & Octopus Energy Generation will maintain the system for the PPA term, ensuring optimal efficiency and output.
- Monthly energy bills have been significantly reduced.
- CWST now has a scalable blueprint to replicate across its global operations in line with ESG commitments.
A partnership for the future
This project demonstrates the strength of the Smart Ease x Zestec co-developer model for PPA solutions. By combining financial innovation, technical delivery, and long-term asset management, the partnership is enabling UK businesses to decarbonise at scale—without the financial burden of upfront investment.
