Supporting the Keech Hospice Solar Legacy Project

Helping power a more sustainable future for hospice care

FPM Facility Services was proud to support the Keech Solar Legacy Project, an ambitious renewable energy installation designed to help Keech Hospice reduce energy costs and support the long-term future of its care services.

The project has seen a 220kW solar panel system installed across the hospice buildings, helping Keech generate its own renewable electricity and reduce reliance on rising energy costs.

For Keech, this is about much more than solar panels. It is about protecting vital hospice services, reducing running costs and creating a more sustainable future for the children, adults and families who rely on its care.

A project with real purpose

Keech Hospice provides free specialist end-of-life hospice care for people of all ages. Caring and supporting adults across Bedfordshire and children and their families across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Milton Keynes with life-limiting conditions. At home, in hospice, or wherever we’re needed.

With energy costs placing increasing pressure on organisations across the country, the solar project was created to help Keech reduce its annual energy spend and reinvest more money directly into care.

The installation is expected to save the charity around £50,000 every year, a significant saving that can help support the hospice’s essential services.

FPM was pleased to play a part in supporting a project that combines practical facilities expertise with genuine community impact.

Strong early results

Keech has already seen encouraging results from the system.

Following a recent spell of sunshine, the hospice reported its strongest week for solar generation so far. During the week commencing 29 May, Wednesday delivered the highest daily yield to date, generating 591.6 kWh.

April remains the highest-producing month overall so far, with 12,270.1 kWh generated, closely followed by May at 11,976.7 kWh. With further system optimisation taking place and the summer months ahead, Keech is hopeful that performance will continue to improve.

The solar thermal panels on the adults’ unit have also performed strongly. During the same sunny period, they produced enough heat that Keech did not need to use gas for water heating for three consecutive days.

Paul Robson, Head of Corporate Services at Keech said, “The sun did all the work which means we can keep making the difference when it matters most to the people we care for.”

Supporting long-term performance

Projects like this do not end once the panels are installed.

Final system optimisations are now being carried out to help maximise performance as the hospice moves into the summer months. This is an important part of making sure the system continues to operate efficiently and delivers the best possible long-term benefit.

For FPM, this reflects the type of practical, reliable support we aim to provide across every project: helping clients keep their buildings and systems working safely, efficiently and with purpose.

Built through collaboration

The Keech Solar Legacy Project has brought together a wide network of people, suppliers and businesses who wanted to support the hospice and help make the project possible.

It is a strong example of what can be achieved when local organisations, tradespeople and partners work together around a shared goal.

FPM is proud to have contributed to a project that will continue to make a difference for Keech, its teams and the people they care for.

A lasting impact

The benefits of the solar installation will continue long after the initial works are complete.

By generating renewable energy on site, Keech can reduce running costs, improve sustainability and put more resources back into providing care for children, adults and families.

FPM Facility Services would like to thank Eddie Doherty for having the vision to put this project together. We are proud to support projects that have a lasting positive impact, not only for the buildings we work on, but for the people and communities those buildings serve.

We look forward to seeing the continued impact of the Keech Solar Legacy Project over the coming months and years.