Solarcentury on greening existing housing stock

Photovoltaic panels from Solarcentury used by Cole Thompson Anders Architects as part of the modernising and refurbishment of Glastonbury house, a 22 storey residential block in Westminster.

The 162 flat building, which primarily houses elderly people, was completely refitted with a view to maximising both its energy efficiency and the quality of life of its residents, through improved communications links and communal facilities.

The 2.24kWp system utilises Sharp 80w panels, incorporated into a canopy on the south-western aspect of the building.

To date, the panels have produced 2,021kWh of energy, preventing the 869kg of CO2 emissions which would have been created using conventional energy sources to generate the equivalent amount of energy.

Every year, the PV system will generate 1,600kWh of clean, safe electrical energy for the residents of Glastonbury House.

Alongside the solar electrical generation, Cole Thompson Anders also employed numerous energy efficiency measures; rain water collectors, energy saving light bulbs and microclimate improvement through intelligent landscaping and the introduction of wind-deflectors also contribute to the savings which aim towards a 50% reduction in total energy used, and a 50% reduction in carbon emissions.

"The challenge at Glastonbury House was to fully overhaul a building where, although the building fabrics were good, services had become tired and outdated.

David Wriglesworth, Architect at Cole Thompson Anders, comments.

"Environmental concerns were at the forefront of our approach, and the photovoltaic system from Solarcentury fitted perfectly into the design team's sustainability strategy for the building".

"Social and environmental responsibility were paramount in this refurbishment, and Solarcentury's PV unit matched well with both of these priorities, providing renewable energy directly to the building's inhabitants without damaging the environment".

"Combined with the improved communications system, the new Sky Lounge and upgraded communal areas, and the planned improved insulation and micro-climate control, we feel the renewable energy generation employed in this project will greatly improve the residents' quality of life".

In addition to the reduction in carbon emissions and the protection against raising energy costs that all renewable solutions provide, Solarcentury PV systems also provide a number of unique advantages.

Their ease of installation, and their wide range of possible applications, make them more adaptable than wind powered or solar thermal systems.

Also, since PV systems contain no mechanical parts, they are a "fit and forget" low maintenance solution, that can go in to operation immediately after being installed.

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