We’ve helped another university significantly reduce their carbon output by enabling them to harness energy from the sun with a bespoke commercial solar PV system.
| Project Details | |
| System Size 420.81 kWp |
No. of Panels 1014 |
| Annual Generation 367,849 kWh |
Co2 Reduction 82,895 kg/year |
Our ongoing partnership with University of Sunderland continues with the recent installation of a solar PV system at their David Goldman Technology Centre in Monkwearmouth, Sunderland. The University wanted to add more solar to its properties to reduce their CO2 emissions and help achieve their aim to be Net Zero Carbon by 2040.
Due to the size of the project, the University was required to go through a procurement process where work was awarded on price and quality. Having successfully completed several solar PV projects for the University of Sunderland in the past, AR Power were asked to quote.
Our in-house teams have designed and installed a 420.81 kWp SolarEdge system consisting of 1014 panels and 3 inverters which will generate 367,849 kWh/year and help the University of Sunderland save 82,895 kg of carbon annually, making a substantial contribution to their carbon reduction scheme. The cost of their system would be paid back within 5 years.
Top commercial solar panel installers AR Power were awarded the contract to install the commercial solar panels based on our high quality state-of-the-art system and competitive pricing.
There were several site visits and meetings with the University before the project started to discuss the technical aspects of the installation and to make comprehensive plans to ensure everything ran as smoothly as possible especially as our teams were installing the system during term time.
As part of the planning application requirements we were asked to install several Swift boxes to meet biodiversity requirements and to preserve the local heritage we were also required to remove some panels from the original plans so they were not in sight of people visiting the church. As we are fully compliant with all legislation, to meet all CDM requirements we also created fire evacuation plans, risk assessments, pedestrian management plans, traffic plans and more.
Due to the roof being multi-directional, we carried out a 3D drone survey of the roof which enabled our internal design teams to make the most of the roof space and design as solar PV system ideal for that roof type.
As with any building located near the sea, the University has a problem with seagulls and we wanted to ensure that there were no seagulls nesting on the roof which would delay the installation, so we set up an audible bird deterrent system which prevented the seagulls from nesting. Once we were happy that there were no birds nesting, our teams were able to execute the installation plan.
Once the scaffolding which would keep our teams safe on the roof was in place, we could begin to deliver the materials to site and get them on the roof using a 17m telehandler.
The plant room at the university is impressive and they had a large wall available for the 3 inverters and 9 synergy units to be installed to. It was also ideal for cable runs leading up to the solar PV system.
During the installation our teams had to down tools several times due to the weather. We equip our teams with anemometers so they were able to check wind speeds before they start work and on several days the wind speeds were above our safe working threshold speeds.
Steve Spurs, Project Manager at University of Sunderland said “Working with ARP has been a complete pleasure, from day one the communication from their dedicated project manager has been second to none, we have been updated each step of the way.
“The fitting of the inverters is so neat, and the cable runs are all caped off which once again is neat and inobtrusive on there routs. The electricians were very meticulous in their work and it shows in the finished job.
“Over my 40 years working in the building industry, I have never worked with a firm like ARP, the teamwork and the upbeat moral is second to none, each member helps each other all the time and nothing is ever an issue to them when asked to do something.
“I would recommend ARP to anyone. They are a very professional company throughout.”
The commercial solar panels will provide power to the whole St. Peter’s Campus, not just the technology centre.
Stephen Armstrong, Head of Commercial at AR Power said “its fantastic to see another University investing in renewable energy to reduce its carbon footprint. We are seeing more and more education providers turning to solar as a cost effective route to achieving their NetZero ambitions.”
If you would like to discuss installing a solar PV system to your School, Academy, College, Sixth Form or University, please get in touch.
Salix finance are now accepting applications for Phase 4 of the Decarbonisation Scheme and education providers could receive a large contribution towards the cost of a commercial solar system. If you are unsure about the application process, we can put you in touch with an independent company who can guide you through the process.
