Gazeley Cut CO2 With Solarcentury’s SB720 system.

With Solarcentury's installation in Bristol for leading warehouse and commercial property developer Gazeley, the new SB Solar Energy System continues to break new ground for photovoltaic (PV) solar power in the commercial sector. Gazeley have committed to becoming carbon neutral and are implementing the very latest solar technology to help cut CO2 emissions by reducing the buildings' need for mains electricity.
Gazeley's commitment to eliminating its carbon footprint, is the focus of its work with various companies across the sustainability and renewables sector. Solarcentury has emerged as one of the most important partners for the company in this enterprise, helping since 2003 to develop Gazeley's “Eco Template” research and consistently finding practical ways to implement new solar technology.
The use of the SB System is the latest example of this: with no structural upgrades required to the building's roof, the installation can be completed in two days with only a two man team.
In addition, with the new thin film PV modules a 4% higher electrical yield can be achieved. For a 7.2 kWp system this amounts to over three additional tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions offset over the unit's 25 year guaranteed generation period. In total the system will generate 6484 kWh of electricity per year, saving 100 tonnes of CO2 emissions over 25 years.
Normally this improved efficiency would come with a proviso; thin film systems typically take longer to fit and so can add to construction costs. However, Solarcentury's prefabricated frame and slot-in module configuration completely eliminates this delay, further enhancing the practical aspect of the SB System.
Speaking after Solarcentury's successful installation of the new SB System at Gazeley's “G.Park Western Approach” warehouse in Bristol, Charles Blake, Gazeley's development manager said, “We are delighted to be the first to deploy the latest in industrial photovoltaics. Generating onsite renewable energy is key to the success of our business and we welcome any developments from Solarcentury that enable us to drive renewable energy production forward with minimal disruption to our operations.” He continues, “Solarcentury clearly understand our needs; this is vital to Gazeley as we have prioritised sustainability believing that businesses must place the environment at the core of their operations in order to survive.”
This latest 'Eco' development from Gazeley demonstrates their ongoing commitment to sustainability which now clearly differentiates their buildings in the logistics sector. This matches a growing demand from tenants and employees to help to reduce the causes of climate change.
Solarcentury's James Felstead says “Solar PV is the most effective way of reducing CO2 emissions because it directly replaces grid electricity. By working together, Gazeley and Solarcentury are helping to meet the twin objectives of minimising environmental impact and reducing mains energy consumption.”
Now, with the third implementation of an SB system on a Gazeley development and the first using thin-film PV, Solarcentury's commercial PV installations seem set to continue to lead the market.