Trebah Garden

Trebah is a naturally beautiful Cornish valley garden in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Energy GeneratED

47,000 kWh/ year

Carbon Reduction

25,500kg/year

Annual ROI

17%

Payback

6 Years

About Trebah Garden

Trebah Gardens is a stunning 26-acre sub-tropical valley garden in Cornwall, renowned for its exotic plant collections, winding paths, beautiful cafe and secluded beach on the Helford River. Steeped in horticultural heritage and offering year-round colour and discovery, Trebah blends lush landscapes with tranquil water features and breathtaking views, making it one of the region’s most beloved destinations for visitors and nature lovers alike.

What was their goal?

Trebah is committed to protecting and enhancing its unique environment, while inspiring visitors to play an active role in its development as a sustainable, year-round destination. Sustainability sits at the heart of the organisation’s long-term vision.

Its environmental policy reflects a broad and ambitious approach. Trebah aims to conserve biodiversity across its site and take meaningful action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate climate change impacts, and lead by example. The organisation is committed to complying with relevant legislation and adopting best practice standards wherever possible.

Reducing energy consumption and supporting renewable energy generation are key priorities, alongside minimising waste, encouraging recycling and reuse, and improving water efficiency through sustainable management practices.

How did we help?

Trebah Gardens’ striking visitor centre, with its feature copper roof overlooking the Helford Estuary, required a carefully considered renewable energy solution. ZLC Energy designed and installed a solar PV system that maximised energy generation while carefully mitigating the risk of corrosion, a key challenge when working with copper and dissimilar metals. The system was sensitively positioned to ensure it remains unseen from most areas of the gardens, preserving the site’s natural beauty.

The partnership began in 2012 with a comprehensive assessment of Trebah’s energy use, needs, and opportunities. Following a detailed appraisal and the development of a prioritised action plan, ZLC worked closely with staff and trustees to implement meaningful improvements. The installation of solar PV in 2015 marked a significant milestone in Trebah’s sustainability journey, one that continues to evolve as part of a long-term commitment to environmental stewardship.

Key Features

  • 50kW Solar PV across 3 roofs
  • 250W Black BenQ Panels
  • Bespoke mounting-prevention of corrosion on copper roof
  • Sympathetic design to compliment location
  • Install in November 2015 in 1 week
  • Payback in 6 years

Client testimonials

'We’ve been working with Mark and his team for some time now and have always been grateful for their expertise and clarity with our many energy challenges. With the solar, the installation was incredibly quick, efficient, and pain free. What more could you ask for?'

Darren Dickey

Head Gardener, Trebah Gardens

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