The project, once completed, will be the largest solar rooftop project in the educational sector, and will allow the University to meet stringent sustainability standards.
As public sector building owners take the lead on clean energy installations, and enhancing not only the value of their assets, but also the environmental credibility, there is a market requirement for leading expertise in the complexity of large scale solar roof top deployment.
Dulas, has a long heritage in installing solar panels on schools, universities and other public buildings. It has seen a steady increase in demand for its services, despite the recent reduction in tariff support for solar projects from UK Government.
When considered alongside the rise in mainstream electricity prices, rooftop solar remains a sensible investment for any establishment looking to cut costs on energy bills. For universities in particular, the financial returns on investment are just as significant as the reputational benefits derived from setting a green example and installing rooftop solar.
In this instance, Dulas is installing 1,700 panels on a single flat roof on UWE Bristol’s new Future Space and Bristol Robotics Laboratory innovation facility. The project is expected to complete within 6-8 weeks, and is being conducted in partnership with expert UK roofing company, Mitie Roofing.
The 450kW project, once complete, will help to power the Frenchay Campus, with all electricity generated being consumed on site, ensuring a significant cost saving for the University.
The University is keen to involve its students in environmental and sustainability awareness, and the new rooftop solar project is expected to be ready in time for open days in November, helping students to engage with the University’s new sustainability standards.
“It is no longer a token gesture for universities and other large establishments to engage with wider environmental and sustainability efforts in this way. Nor is it a mere box-ticking exercise,” said Alistair Marsden, director at Dulas. “Rooftop solar, delivered effectively, is a sound investment, unlocking long-term financial benefits.”
“As a result of this project, UWE Bristol will create significant extra value for its existing assets. It will also have access to a clean and low-cost energy source, as well as the benefitting from using 100 percent of the electricity generated on-site on our HV ring, rather than exporting to the grid," Marsden said.
Fabia Jeddere-Fisher, energy manager at UWE Bristol, said the university is "looking forward to the multiple environmental, financial and academic benefits it promises to bring the University. We already have students lined up to do their dissertations based on the solar array.”
“As such, it was essential to have an experienced development partner, and Dulas’ expertise proved invaluable in making the most of this initiative,” she added.
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