A solar farm that is part of a £1.5 million project to improve the University of York’s research capabilities has been completed by Siemens.
The project, which will generate 200kWp for the University of York’s new Institute for Safe Autonomy, aims to enhance the university’s research capabilities in developing and testing robots and other autonomous systems to inspect and maintain solar arrays. The purpose-built Institute for Safe Autonomy provides collaborative work and test spaces for more than 100 researchers across a variety of disciplines.
Funded through the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund (UKRPIF), the solar farm will create a ‘living lab’ for the institute, providing insight to landowners and solar farm operators on how best to integrate robotic technology in the field. It is one of nine projects receiving almost £19 million of funding from UKRPIF.
The solar energy generated will also provide 80% of the building’s 600kWh expected daily use, meaning the institute itself will be net zero for energy by 2025.
Siemens’ team supported development by providing consultancy services and helping to design, commission, and optimise the solar arrays for the robotic technology being used in the institute’s research.
It also set up a data collection system for the panels which will underpin research projects at the institute. LYNX Sustainable Solutions installed the solar arrays.
The farm, which spans over 1400 square metres, consists of various panel configurations, including static ground installations and a sun-tracking array. Some solar panels are also mounted onto the side of the Institute’s building and its rooftop as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) to achieve a wide range of installation positions.
Professor Miles Elsden, director of the Institute for Safe Autonomy, said: “Robotics, autonomous systems and AI have the potential to transform the way we live, travel and work in the future. Integrating them with the production of renewable energy will ultimately play a key role in the journey towards net zero.
“This innovative research project marks an important milestone for the Institute since we opened earlier this year and reaffirms our commitment as a university to sourcing sustainable energy.”
Solar Power Portal’s publisher, Solar Media, will host the UK Solar Summit on 4-5 June 2024 in London. The event will explore the UK’s new landscape for utility and rooftop solar, looking at the opportunities within a GW+ annual market and much more.