A flagship building at Derby’s new Infinity Park has been completed with a rooftop solar system set to generate 37,000kWh of electricity every year to be used onsite.
The £11.8 million Innovation Centre was finished in December 2014 and will provide a collaborative space for entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs to develop new technologies and expand Derby’s high tech industries. It will use a 53kWp system installed on its roof to provide thousands of pounds worth of savings to Derby City Council, which has acted as a partner on the venture alongside three participating universities.
The 3,000 square foot solar system was installed by EvoEnergy, which carried out the work over the summer of 2015. A four-man team completed the installation of 212 Risen 250W panels over the course of seven days after overcoming the challenges of working and moving materials onsite while the roads and surrounding areas were still under construction.
James Clifford, project manager for EvoEnergy, said: “We're pleased to be supporting such an exciting project that will boost the East Midlands economy. In terms of developing local talent, Derby City Council is definitely going the right way about it.
“The fact that its design has had sustainability at its heart from the very beginning serves as an inspiration to other firms with green ambitions.”
As well as solar panels, the Innovation Centre also uses air-source heat pumps, natural ventilation and a floodwater drainage system to add to its sustainability credentials.
The building is the first to be completed on the 250-acre site, which will act as a commercial and technology hub once it has been completed.