Bristol Zoo has announced it has installed its third solar PV system since 2011.
The new installation is 30kW and installed on the roof of its ‘Bug World’ building, producing more than 22,500kWh ever year – enough to power six UK homes.
The zoo's solar portfolio currently helps power indoor animal enclosures, aquarium pumps and heat lamps.
The zoo’s first PV installation was completed back in December 2011 on the veterinary department's roof. All three solar arrays were designed and installed by South West solar company, Solarsense.
The first solar installation covered the zoo’s veterinary department roof, roughly the size of tennis court 47kW system provided and installed by South West solar company, Solarsense.
David Snape, commercial sales manager of Solarsense said: “It’s great to be back working with Bristol Zoo. This 120-module solar installation provides a simple long-term solution to on-site energy generation, protecting the zoo from rising energy prices and helping to further reduce its carbon footprint.”
Bristol Zoo Gardens is also a conservation and education charity, and won a TravelWest Sustainable Business Travel Award in 2013 for its multiple efforts for sustainability, including public transport schemes.
Bristol Zoo has also installed two biomass boilers, which reduce the Zoo’s wood waste and its energy bills.