Sustainable production starts with energy. But growing a modern food business also means growing energy demand. As part of their transition towards net zero, Jack’s Gelato set out to dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of their production facility.

With an ambition to reach net zero emissions by 2030, the challenge has been balancing this commitment with the energy demands of an expanding business.

In 2023, Jack's moved its manufacturing facility to Manor Farm, just outside Cambridge, to increase production capacity. The move also created new opportunities to improve sustainability, including growing ingredients on-site for use in its ice cream flavours, reducing the need to buy them in.

However, the new facility presented an energy challenge. The farm's grid connection provides a 100A supply, but at peak production, Jack's energy requirements can reach 130A. With demand exceeding the available grid supply, finding a way to generate and store additional energy became a priority.

This is why commercial solar with battery support provided was the ideal solution

Installing a solar array at Manor Farm offered a way to help meet the site's energy requirements while supporting Jack's wider net zero ambitions. And, in keeping with the business's commitment to its local community, the project brought together several businesses to make it happen.

Midsummer, acted as the wholesaler for the project coordinating between manufacturers, with the installation managed by Ian Woodward and his team at Cambs Electrical. 

Cambs electrical were working with some serious quality kit from AIKO, Solarport and Sigenergy;

AIKO supplied the 240 panels that make up the array. They used the AIKO Neostar 3P+ 540W Dual Glass Black White ABC N-type Bifacial if we’re going to get specific. 

These panels have a high efficiency sitting at 24.8% and can generate higher yields since the metal grid traditionally on the front of the panel has moved to the back.

Solarport provided the portrait ground mounting to house the 240 panels in portrait which takes up far less room in the field.

Solarport systems are sturdy enough to support the weight of a commercial size rig but flexible enough to be adapted to the specific requirements of any project. What's more they’re modular for an easy installation.

Finally it was Sigenergy who stepped in with battery storage, they used 21 SigenStack 12.06kW batteries. 

The SigenStack is a stackable modular system making it easier to install and expand than a single unit system. They also have 6 layer fire protection which makes them ideal for big commercial projects like this. For more info on the SigenStack see our full blog post about them here.

This solar setup has only been in place since July 2026 but already it’s providing a significant proportion of their energy supply. And even during the Winter months their power supply isn’t seeing big drops, on a November morning after a cloudy week the battery supply was still up at 50%. Over time they expect the system to provide the majority of their energy supply at Manor Farm, making them more self-sufficient.

What makes this project particularly special is not just the technology, but the people and businesses behind it. By bringing together local suppliers, installers and world renowned solar equipment Jack’s Gelato has delivered a project that helps their business to grow, supports local jobs and takes steps towards a more sustainable future.

It’s proof that the journey towards a sustainable future doesn’t have to be taken alone. Through local collaboration, shared expertise and the right technology, businesses can make meaningful changes that benefit not only themselves, but the wider community too. And at Jack’s Gelato, there’s now a little more sunshine going into every scoop!

Looking to commission your own commercial project? Get in contact with our commercial sales team today.

Email: commercial@midsummerenergy.co.uk

Phone: 01223 851535 (extension 1100)