University Hospitals Dorset is taking a step closer to its goal of achieving net zero emissions by partnering with Centrica Business Solutions and Aztec Solar Energy to design and install its first solar photovoltaic (PV) system at Poole Hospital in Dorset.
Solar Project to Generate 200,000 kWh Annually
The project involves installing 470 PV panels, five SolarEdge inverters, and 261 optimizers across five interconnected roofs on a single building. The system is projected to generate approximately 200,000 kWh annually, reducing CO2 emissions by an estimated 50 tonnes per year, Centrica Business Solutions announced.
With the panels, inverters, and other equipment installed in recent weeks, Aztec Solar is set to connect, commission, and test the new solar PV system over just two days.
Phil Bryant, Head of Public Sector Sales at Centrica Business Solutions, praised Aztec Solar as a valuable addition to their energy partner program, calling them the perfect choice for the Poole Hospital project given their track record in the health sector and proficiency with commercial PV installations.
“Aztec Solar is a great addition to our energy partner programme and they were the perfect company to partner with for the execution of the project at Poole Hospital given their expertise in the health sector and their proficiency in deploying solar PV systems on commercial buildings,” Bryant remarked.
Bryant noted a growing interest from public sector and commercial organizations in using their rooftop space for solar initiatives, adding that this trend offers cost predictability and a renewable energy source that aligns with organizations’ long-term sustainability goals.
Offsetting 50 Tonnes of CO2 Emissions Annually
Stuart Lane, Sustainability and Carbon Manager at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Trust, commented on the project’s successful completion, noting that the teams overcame significant site limitations and height access obstacles.
“We are delighted to announce successful project completions with Centrica Business Solutions and Aztec, overcoming site constraints and height access challenges,” stated Stuart Lane.
This new roof-mounted photovoltaic system marks a significant step toward the organization’s net zero carbon goals. Once complete, the installation is expected to produce around 200,000 kWh of electricity, meeting approximately 5% of Poole Hospital’s energy requirements and offsetting roughly 50 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
Lane elaborated on the system’s impact: “As part of our efforts to meet our net zero carbon goals, we are installing a new photovoltaic system that is located on the roof. 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.”
Strategic Placement on Hospital Rooftops
The solar panel arrays are strategically positioned atop the Phillip Arnold blocks and the Dorset Cancer Centre. This placement underscores the trust’s commitment to integrating solar energy into its decarbonization efforts while improving healthcare amenities and services for the local community.
Image: Collected
“Above the Phillip Arnold blocks and the Dorset Cancer Centre are the solar panel arrays. As we decarbonise our estate and improve healthcare facilities and services for our community, this relationship demonstrates our dedication to embracing solar energy,” Lane remarked.
Chris Cowling, commercial director at Aztec Solar, said that partnering with Centrica Business Solutions is a significant step for his company’s expansion into developing and implementing commercial solar PV systems.
“We have provided solutions for many healthcare facilities, including Poole Hospital, so we understand how critical it is to collaborate closely with Centrica Business Solutions to minimize the impact of our installation and any electricity outage on patient safety and medical equipment,” Cowling added.
Poole Hospital’s partnership with Centrica Business Solutions and Aztec Solar Energy is a significant step toward achieving net zero emissions. This collaborative effort showcases the potential for using rooftop space for solar initiatives, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future in the healthcare sector.