iGen Energy has completed the first phase of its 96kWp commercial solar photovoltaics installation in Buxton, Derbyshire. The project, which is the first in the UK to feature Q-Cells Q.SMART thin-film modules, is being constructed for professional cleaning solutions manufacturer, Selden Research.
The Q.SMART CIGS technology was selected by iGen as it is particularly suited to the UK due to its successful performance in low light conditions, in shade and at unfavourable angles. The rooftop project is being built on a flat roof pitch of just six degrees. The 873 panels cover a total area of 1,500m².
“As experienced commercial installers we know its vitally important to choose the right modules at design stage and our simulations show us that the Q-Cells Q.SMART product will provide a much greater return on investment for our client than traditional crystalline panels and this is always our first priority,” said iGen Managing Director Peter Hewart.
“Added to the fact that the frameless modules provide less stress on the building structure and a reduced wind loading, we have been very impressed with the quality and ease of installation of the Q-Cells modules.”
The installation, which represents a £280,000 investment by Selden, is forecast to produce 74,791kWh of energy each year which will meet 25% of the company’s needs and save 165,000kg of CO2 emissions. The solar energy generated will power production lines.
“As a company whose products ensure everyone can live and work in a clean environment, our use of clean energy to help make them is a natural step,” said Mark Woodhead, Selden Sales Director and current Chairman of the British Cleaning Council.
Andrew Troop, Q-Cells UK Key Account Manager said, “We're delighted that iGen Energy specified Q-Cells for this our first major UK roof project and that it is with such an environmentally friendly company as Selden, in the Peak District an area of outstanding natural beauty. Our Q.SMART thin-film and Q.PRO crystalline modules which are both MCS and BRE Green Book accredited, offer class-leading efficiencies and guaranteed yields and are part of a growing UK product portfolio. In July we will also launch the most efficient 60-cell module on the UK market, Q.PEAK which is our new monocrystalline product with power classes up to 265Wp and efficiencies up to 15.9%.”
Q-Cells’ panels come with a linear performance guarantee of 25 years, keeping their performance at 100% during the first three years and achieving more than 85% of rated output at the end of the guarantee period.
