Keele University has turned to solar power to help manage the university’s energy consumption, minimise utility costs and reduce carbon emissions.
Three building across the university’s Staffordshire campus will house a 50kWp array each after awarding a contract to install solar across the university to nPower Energy Services. The contract, worth more than £300,000, will see solar installed on the Holly Cross and Lindsay Halls of Residence as well as the Darwin Building – home to the Keele Management School.
The systems will be made up of 636 Winaico solar panels, with work scheduled to start soon. nPower estimates that the three solar PV systems will slash almost 70 tonnes a year off Keele University’s annual carbon emissions.
The solar proposals form part of Keel University’s renewable energy stragegy, which aims to cut emissions in line with the UK’s emission targets.
Andy Parry, Head of Operations at Keele University, commented: “Since 1990, Keele’s estate has expanded by approximately 25% and we are already planning future growth. Although we are committed to improving the energy efficiency of current and future buildings, on-site renewable energy generation is going to be key in achieving our carbon reduction targets and we look forward to working with npower to achieve this.”
Graham Ryott, Development Manager at nPower, added: “nPower Energy Services was pleased to have been chosen to carry out the work to establish the feasibility of solar PV for Keele and we are delighted to be continuing the project through to design and installation. Our dedicated team has a wealth of expertise and will work in close collaboration with the university to ensure the installation causes minimal disruption to university life and exceeds expectations.”