Towner Art Gallery

Eastbourne, East Sussex

Towner Art Gallery, located in Eastbourne, is a nationally recognised contemporary art museum with a rich history dating back to 1923. Celebrated for its bold exhibitions and strong community outreach, Towner plays a vital cultural role in the Southeast of England.

As a public institution committed to sustainability and social responsibility, Towner made the strategic decision to reduce its environmental impact and operational costs through renewable energy. The goal was to lower their carbon footprint, offset rising energy prices, and demonstrate leadership in the arts and environmental stewardship.

Driven by the UK’s net-zero targets and Towner’s ambition to operate more sustainably, the leadership team identified the need for a long-term solution that aligned with their environmental values. The combination of solar power generation and battery storage offered a clear pathway to achieving:

• Lower energy bills and reduced reliance on grid electricity
• Carbon emissions reduction, supporting national and local environmental goals
• Energy security, enabling the gallery to store and use solar power efficiently during peak times or outages
• Financial savings, with strong ROI and long-term cost certainty

OHM Energy was selected for our proven expertise, high-quality installations, and commitment to supporting clients through every step of the renewable energy journey.

System Specifications

Solar Photovoltaic System – 45.45 kW

• 101 x 450W Mono Solar Panels
• Ballasted Roof Mounting System
• 1 x Three Phase Inverter
• Electrical Sub Board
• AC Isolator & DC Isolators, DC Cable and Connections
• All Electrical Connections, Labour & Full Commissioning
• Applications to the Power Grid

Battery Storage System – Eaton xStorage Hybrid

• xStorage Hybrid 3P 12kW 40.96kWh
• Sub Main Populated Board
• 63amp AC Isolator
• Cable (Power and Data)
• Copex, Trunking, Clips, and Warning Labels
• Earthing Rod

This integrated solar and storage system allows Towner to store excess solar energy produced during the day and use it in the evening or during periods of low generation, further improving energy self-sufficiency.

Performance & Impact

• Annual Total Saving/Income: £8,884
• Estimated Total Financial Saving/Income over 20 Years: £289,100
• Payback Period: 4 Years, 1 Month
• Estimated CO² Saving over 20 Years: 403 Tonnes

These projections underscore both the financial and environmental benefits of Towner’s renewable energy investment. The system is expected to pay for itself in just over four years and continue delivering long-term savings and emissions reductions for decades.