Fivemiletown School Goes solar with the latest in renewable energy technology
Further public buildings to benefit from photovoltaics with funds from NIE and DTI.
8 February, 2007: Solarcentury, the UK's leading solar energy company, is set to complete its latest installation of a unique solar photovoltaic (PV) system on Fivemiletown school in Northern Ireland today. The installation marks the countrywide roll-out of solar systems on public buildings in Northern Ireland as part of the Department of Trade and Industry's Low Carbon Buildings Programme. The programme is to be launched at Malone House, Belfast, on Monday 12 February; Jeremy Leggett, CEO Solarcentury, and energy experts from Northern Ireland Electricity will be speaking about the widespread benefits of the programme and its ability to empower local communities through the dramatic reduction of carbon emissions through the production of clean energy.
The initiative is funded in part by the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) £50 million, Phase two, Low Carbon Building Programme (LCBP). Grants are awarded from the DTI to cover 50% of the cost of a solar power, or photovoltaic (PV), installations across schools, local housing authorities, housing associations and other public sector and charitable bodies throughout the UK.
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) is continuing with financial support for the renewable energy initiative, offering projects a further 15% grant towards installation costs through the SMART programme. This significant contribution provides a unique opportunity to access solar PV technology at a significant discount to the usual market rate. The programme includes both existing properties and new developments and therefore provides a range of strategic opportunities to develop low carbon buildings.
The Fivemiletown High School project is the first in Northern Ireland to use the unique "solar glazing", otherwise known as photovoltaic glass laminates. The photovoltaics are integrated into the glass making up the walkway between buildings; adding to the unique architectural design of the school. The remainder of the system is made up of 161 solar PV panels, covering 228m2 of the school's roof. The system will produce approximately 23,000 kWh (units of electricity) each year; this is sufficient electricity to run a typical three bedroom home for eight years. This will save over 13.9 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, the equivalent of driving nearly 42,400 miles in a family saloon car. The school's installation has a 25 year guarantee with an expected life span of 40-60 years.
Alistair Dunne, Headmaster at Fivemiletown, said: "Fivemiletown School is extremely excited about the ongoing developments being made to the school site. The whole community wanted a school that was both a legacy and focal point for the town and we all felt that it was important that the new school was environmentally friendly. We felt that the school should lead the way for the whole community."
Commenting on the programme, Dr. Jeremy Leggett, CEO of Solarcentury said: "Northern Ireland is really setting the standard for renewable energy. We are delighted there is increasing support for a future with clean energy, as together we really can cut carbon emissions rapidly at the source. This new programme, with the invaluable support of NIE, will allow hundreds of public buildings to benefit from Solarcentury's unique photovoltaic systems at just 35% of traditional cost. Schools will in particular benefit from exciting teaching packages and support through our 'Solar4Schools' programme. Photovoltaic technology is a widely available clean energy solution that is effective and requires little ongoing attention. Communities across Northern Ireland can now reduce C02 emissions by many thousands of tonnes over the next 20 years, and we stand ready to do many more such installations."
Jenny Boyd, Northern Ireland Electricity, said: "Generating electricity from the sun appeals to a broad range of people, both to save money, and to protect the environment by opting for environmentally friendly sources of energy. NIE, through the SMART programme, has already supported the installation of over 130 photovoltaic (PV) systems in homes, councils and schools across the country. It is hoped that supporting this type of non-polluting energy source will help develop the market and encourage other schools and communities to invest in sustainable energy solutions."
Robert McCreery, Energy and Environment Manager for Southern Education and Library Board, said: "Fivemiletown School is the latest of many schools in Northern Ireland to invest in photovoltaics. Fivemiletown School is a great example for us all and if everyone follows their lead they will find that solar in concert with energy efficiency can simply, immediately and dramatically reduce our reliance on fossil fuels."
Schools are invited to apply for funding or to register interest by visiting: www.Solarcentury.com/grants. Schools are asked to register via: www.solar4schools.co.uk Following the launch event at Malone House, press are invited to visit Fivemiletown school for 3pm, 12th February: 52 Colebrooke Rd, Fivemiletown, County Tyrone, BT 75 OSB. Further information available from Solarcentury.
About Solarcentury
Solarcentury is the UK's leading solar energy company, specialising in the supply and innovation of building integrated photovoltiacs. Solarcentury is in business for a purpose: to help create a cleaner world and a sustainable future. Solarcentury has installed solar systems on the Eden Project, Vauxhall Cross Bus Terminal and the UK's largest solar system on the CIS Tower, Manchester. On 16 November, 2006 Solarcentury's project MANCAT, North Manchester Sixth Form College and North City Public Library, has been named by The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) as the winner of the first prize at the inaugural RIBA/LSC Further Education Design Excellence Awards.
About NIE
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the Viridian Group's major subsidiary, is responsible for the regulated procurement, transmission, distribution and supply of electricity to 758,000 customers (homes and businesses) in Northern Ireland. NIE manages 55,000 km (35,000 miles) of network infrastructure, of which 31,000 km (19,000 miles) is overhead line, mainly in rural areas.
Notes to editors
Launch contact: Charlotte Webster, PR Manger, Solarcentury. She is contactable on +44 7990 583307 Charlotte.Webster@solarcentury.com
Project contact: Andy Baird, Northern Ireland representative, Solarcentury. He is contactable on +44 07793 208 564 andrew.baird@solarcentury.com.
Fivemiletown Headmaster: Alistair Dunne Fivemiletown High School, 52 Colebrooke Rd, Fivemiletown, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, BT 75 OSB
Notes on installation
The solar photovoltaic (PV) array installed on Fivemiletown High School is made up of a total of two distinct areas of installation. The array on the south-facing roof of Block B comprises 161 Sharp 175W PV modules supplied by Solarcentury. The array covers a total area of 210m² and is capable of producing a total peak DC power of 28.175 kilowatts under Standard Test Conditions (STC). The second array comprises of 8 Romag 137.5W glass-glass laminates supplied by Solarcentury, that are integrated into the covered walkway. The laminates have a total surface area of 9.44m² and are rated to a total peak DC power of 1.1 kilowatts under Standard Test Conditions. Groups of modules or laminates are connected in "strings" to inverters ensuring that the maximum possible power can be collected from the various sub-arrays at all times and in all conditions. A control and monitoring system will ensure that data on system performance and reliability is readily available.