In a significant stride towards its ambitious decarbonization targets, University Hospitals Dorset has energized its first major renewable energy project at Poole Hospital. Through a strategic collaboration with Centrica Business Solutions and Aztec Solar Energy, the hospital is now equipped with a state-of-the-art solar photovoltaic array, marking a tangible commitment to the NHS’s broader net-zero goals.
The newly commissioned system, which was recently announced, is a substantial engineering feat. It comprises 470 PV panels, five SolarEdge inverters, and 261 power optimizers spread across five interconnected roofs. Stuart Lane, Sustainability and Carbon Manager at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Trust, confirmed the project’s impact. “After installation is complete, it should produce about 200,000 kWh of electricity, or about 5% of Poole Hospital’s total power use, and offset about 50 tonnes of CO2 annually,” Lane stated.
The panel arrays have been strategically placed atop the Phillip Arnold blocks and the Dorset Cancer Centre, a decision that Lane noted demonstrates the hospital’s dedication to embracing solar energy while continuing to improve healthcare services. Despite facing significant site constraints and height access challenges, the teams from Centrica and Aztec successfully completed the installation, with the final connection and commissioning taking place over just two days.
Phil Bryant, Head of Public Sector Sales at Centrica Business Solutions, highlighted the growing trend of organizations leveraging their property for clean energy. He observed a rising interest in rooftop solar initiatives, which provide cost predictability and align with long-term sustainability goals. He lauded Aztec Solar as “the perfect company to partner with for the execution of the project at Poole Hospital given their expertise in the health sector.”
For Aztec Solar, the project reinforces its proficiency in delivering complex commercial solar PV solutions. Commercial Director Chris Cowling emphasized the unique demands of working in a live hospital environment. “We understand how critical it is to collaborate closely… to minimize the impact of our installation and any electricity outage on patient safety and medical equipment,” Cowling explained. This new roof-mounted photovoltaic system is a cornerstone of the Trust’s strategy to decarbonize its estate and build a more sustainable future for the community it serves.
Sources for Poole Hospital Progresses Towards Reaching Net Zero
- Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Local Area Energy Plan
- Why the UK and Ireland’s healthcare energy crisis is also a patient …
- Centrica delivers solar PV for Poole hospital with new partner Aztec …
- green-plan-2025-2028-master.pdf – NHS Cheshire and Merseyside
- FOR GREEN – NHS England
- 2024/25 Operational Plan
- Annual Review 2024/25
- Our Green Plan 2025/26 – 2028/29