Solarcycle & Denbies Wine Estate

18 September 2024 – As the UK’s first Net Zero wine producer, Denbies Wine Estate is a leader in sustainability.

Spanning 265 acres, Denbies is a major player in the English wine industry and a trailblazer in green tourism. Known for its award-winning wines, Denbies earned B Corp accreditation in 2024, reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility. To further its eco-friendly initiatives, Denbies partnered with Solarcycle to promote sustainable transport options for visitors through its innovative solar-powered solution.

Surrey-based Solarcycle, specialising in modular solar charging solutions, was the perfect partner for this initiative. Together, they aimed to install Surrey’s first commercial off-grid, solar-powered e-bike charging station—providing free, 100% renewable energy for e-bikes at Denbies’ scenic location along the SHNL Greenway Trail.
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“Our 100% off-grid chargers are perfectly placed at Denbies Wine Estate. This project encourages more people to cycle safely, away from traffic, while enjoying the beautiful Surrey Hills.” added Paul Stratford, CEO of Solarcycle

Planning an E-bike Scheme?

Use our Business Case Kit packed with the latest facts and tools to help you build an internal brief or apply for funding.

Objectives

• Promote sustainable tourism – by offering free, renewable energy-powered e-bike charging to Denbies visitors.
• Encourage eco-friendly travel – along the Surrey Hills’ Greenway Trail, reducing car usage and emissions.
• Support local initiatives – like the SHNL Greenway Trail, Cycling UK, and Surrey County Council’s push for greener transport.
• Help meet sustainability goals – and set a benchmark for other businesses in the area.

Project Details

In August 2024, Solarcycle completed the installation of Surrey’s first commercial off-grid solar-powered e-bike chargers at Denbies Wine Estate. The project was partially funded by Surrey County Council’s “Your Fund Surrey” Small Community Projects initiative.

Key components of the project include:

• Solar-powered, off-grid charging station – providing free energy for e-bikes, reducing emissions and promoting eco-friendly travel.
• Strategic location – on the SHNL Greenway Trail, a 15km off-road route created by Cycling UK, enabling cyclists to safely enjoy the beauty of the Surrey Hills.
• E-bike hire – offered at Denbies through Just-Pedal bike hire, allowing visitors to try out e-bikes and experience green travel firsthand.

Key Features and Benefits

• 100% Renewable Energy: The e-bike charging stations use solar energy, providing free and sustainable power for e-bike users.
• No Mains Connection Required: The system is entirely off-grid, eliminating the need for trench works or mains electrical connections. This feature significantly reduces installation disruptions and costs.
• Environmental Impact: Solarcycle’s unique Reporting Function tracks the kWh of solar energy dispensed, allowing organisations to estimate the carbonless miles generated. This transparency helps organisations monitor and report their sustainability progress.
• Cost Savings: By generating its own energy, the system incurs no ongoing energy costs, providing a cost-effective solution for e-bike charging.

Challenges

Denbies wanted to not only provide a green alternative for visitors but also reduce road traffic and emissions in the area. As the local roads in Surrey often struggle with high volumes of cars, encouraging visitors to use the Greenway Trail and e-bikes was seen as a key way to minimise the estate’s environmental footprint.
Additionally, the installation needed to align with Denbies’ existing commitment to sustainability, including their recent certifications for Net Zero and B Corp status.

Outcome

The project was a significant success, with the new solar-powered e-bike charging station officially opened by Hazel Watson, Liberal Democrat Surrey County Councillor. This installation has made a meaningful impact in several ways:
Reduced carbon footprint: The off-grid charging station provides 100% renewable energy, helping cut emissions from transportation.

Boost to eco-tourism: The charger encourages visitors to explore the Surrey Hills by e-bike, reducing road traffic and emissions while supporting green tourism.

A model for future installations: Solarcycle’s modular solar charging solution is scalable and adaptable, offering a blueprint for future e-bike charging installations across the UK.

“This is a fantastic facility which will enable e-bikes to be used more easily particularly on the Greenway Trail.” said Hazel Watson, Liberal Democrat Surrey County Councillor

Impact and Future Plans

The installation of these solar e-bike chargers supports Denbies’ ongoing green initiatives, further cementing its reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism. It also demonstrates the potential for solar energy to power transport solutions, contributing to local efforts to reduce emissions and promote healthier, eco-friendly lifestyles.

Denbies’ primary motivation for partnering with Solarcycle is its 100% renewable energy solar-powered technology, aligning perfectly with their sustainability goals. They will incorporate data from Solarcycle’s reporting feature into their annual impact report, further enhancing their environmental accountability. As a Net Zero certified organisation, Denbies meticulously tracks all aspects of their operations, and Solarcycle is a key addition to their ongoing efforts to reduce their environmental impact.

Looking ahead, Solarcycle aims to expand its off-grid solar charging installations to new locations, with a strong focus on supporting green initiatives and helping organisations achieve their sustainability goals.

“This new facility complements our existing infrastructure, and we look forward to both locals and visitors making full use of it.” added Chris White, CEO of Denbies

Planning an E-bike Scheme?

Use our Business Case Kit packed with the latest facts and tools to help you build an internal brief or apply for funding.