Our client, a major UK asset owner with a strong commitment to renewable energy and operational efficiency, faced a critical challenge: the looming shutdown of key communication networks threatened to disrupt performance across their portfolio of 9,000 solar systems, and with it, their Feed-in Tariff (FiT) income. Ecovision recognised the urgency and stepped in with a proactive, nationwide strategy designed to safeguard operations and secure long-term value.
Results
- Future-proofed infrastructure compatible with modern networks.
- Operational efficiency through reduced site visits and optimised logistics.
- Sustainability gains via reduced travel emissions and energy-efficient processes.
- Revenue protection for long-term financial performance.
The challenge
The UK’s communications landscape is changing rapidly. The planned retirement of BT’s Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and O2’s Circuit-Switched Data (CSD) service will render thousands of monitoring devices obsolete.
For industries dependent on real-time data, such as solar and metering, this poses a major risk. With 2G infrastructure being phased out in favour of 5G, supply chains tightening, and stakeholders uncertain about potential government intervention, the threat to continuity was growing fast.
For our client, the stakes were clear: without timely action, they risked losing vital data connectivity and, in turn, their ability to claim FiT income, directly impacting returns on renewable investment.
Ecovision’s response
Ecovision took a forward-thinking approach built on preparation, precision, and partnership. We secured critical hardware stock months ahead of expected shortages, guaranteeing the availability of new meters for every one of the client’s sites.
Rather than waiting for system failures, we launched a 12-month nationwide meter replacement programme, ensuring every solar system would be upgraded before the 2025 deadlines.
By implementing 4G (5G ready) technology, we not only solved the immediate connectivity risk but also built resilience into the client’s renewable infrastructure for years to come.
Execution and impact
Ecovision’s deployment model was designed for efficiency and sustainability. A dedicated UK-wide team coordinated site visits geographically for our in house engineers to minimise downtime, reduce travel, and lower carbon emissions, directly supporting the client’s sustainability goals.
Transparent communication kept stakeholders informed at every stage, from on-site teams to corporate leadership, reinforcing confidence and accountability throughout the programme.
Proven results
By December 2025, all 9,000 systems will be fully upgraded, eliminating the risk of obsolescence and ensuring uninterrupted FiT revenue. The project delivers:
- Future-proofed infrastructure compatible with modern networks.
- Operational efficiency through reduced site visits and optimised logistics.
- Sustainability gains via reduced travel emissions and energy-efficient processes.
- Revenue protection for long-term financial performance.
In summary
Through foresight, strategic planning, and commitment to sustainability, Ecovision has enabled our client to navigate one of the energy sector’s most significant connectivity challenges.
This proactive partnership not only secures the value of their solar portfolio but also reinforces their leadership in responsible, forward-thinking energy management. Ecovision — Solar experts, powering a sustainable, brighter future
