UNIVERSITY Hospitals Dorset is one step closer to achieving its desired net zero after announcing an energy partner will complete its first solar photovoltaic (PV) design and installation.
Aztec Solar Energy has become a Centrica Business Solutions energy partner and will complete the project at Poole Hospital.
It involves five interconnected roofs on one building and will have 470 PV panels, five SolarEdge inverters and 261 optimisers.
Estimates show that it will generate around 200,000 kWh annually to save approximately 50 tonnes of CO2 a year.
Aztec Solar will connect, commission and test the new solar PV system over just two days after installing the panels, inverters and other equipment over the preceding weeks.
Stuart Lane, UHD's sustainability and carbon manager, said: “We are delighted to announce successful project completions with Centrica Business Solutions and Aztec, overcoming site constraints and height access challenges.
“We are implementing a new roof-mounted photovoltaic system to advance our commitment towards achieving net zero carbon targets.
"Upon completion, this installation is projected to generate circa 200,000 kWh of power or approximately five per cent of Poole Hospital’s power demand and offset approximately 50 tonnes of CO2 a year.
“The solar panel arrays are situated atop the Phillip Arnold blocks and the Dorset Cancer Centre.
"This partnership underscores our commitment to embrace solar energy as we decarbonise our estate - enhancing healthcare facilities and services for our community.”
Phil Bryant, head of public sector sales for Centrica Business Solutions, added: “Aztec Solar is an excellent addition to our energy partner programme and given their experience in the health sector and their expertise in installing solar PV systems on commercial buildings, they were the ideal company to partner with for the delivery of the project at Poole Hospital.
“We’re seeing an uptick in demand from public sector and commercial organisations, looking to take advantage of the space above their heads for solar schemes.
"This provides cost certainty and a source of green power, supporting long-term sustainability ambitions.”
Chris Cowling, commercial director at Aztec Solar, added: “Poole Hospital is one of many healthcare buildings that we have provided solutions for, so we understand how important it is to work closely with Centrica Business Solutions to minimise the effects of our installation and the electrical shutdown on patient wellbeing and medical equipment.”
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