The University of Wolverhampton Science Park has this month completed a landmark solar photovoltaic project aimed at reducing the centre’s carbon emissions and promoting low carbon technologies.

Wolverhampton science Park was setup to support the development of innovative businesses working in science, technology and creative sectors, therefore a solar array will complement the ambitions of the park perfectly.

Herefordshire-based Caplor Energy was approached to design, install and commission a solar array that would help the science park become more self-sufficient. Caplor Energy designed a 49.59kWp solar PV array consisting of 261 solar panels and covering the equivalent of two tennis courts. The solar company estimates that the array will produce over 40,000kWh of electricity each year and save over 20 tonnes of CO2 in the process. The electricity generated by the solar array will be broadcast on a public display unit in the reception area of the Science Park.

Andrew Gilson, Director at the University’s Science Park said: “The science park was designed with sustainability in mind from the outset and so it makes perfect sense for us to now incorporate solar panels on the roof. We expect these solar panels to provide around 10 – 15 percent of the energy requirements of the Science Park.

Jamie Baldwin, Business Development Manager at Caplor Energy added: “We’re delighted to be working with the Science Park on this venture. Using solar PV generated electricity at Science Parks can be really effective. Most complexes have large roof spaces ideal for solar energy technologies and will almost always use all the electricity generated onsite thus maximising the energy and carbon savings.”