Hospital Trust Turns To Solar
Renewable specialist TGE Group has completed the installation of a complex 50kWp solar PV roof system on the prestigious Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre (BMEC), one of the largest eye care facilities in Europe. The bespoke 200 solar module installation is expected to save the NHS Trust more than £8,000p.a. in energy bills.
Appointed by energy supplier E.ON, TGE Group undertook an initial survey to identify four south facing, 40 degree pitch roof areas suitable for an inter-linked PV system.
The majority of the electricity generated by the new system is expected to be used on site whilst any surplus will generate an income through being sold back to the grid. The power generated would be enough to supply 29 homes for a year and will cut the hospital's carbon emissions by over 21 tonnes a year.
Rupert Higgin, MD at TGE Group, explains: "We worked to ensure there would be minimal disruption to either patients or staff at the hospital and scheduled work around operating theatre times. Despite the split level, concrete tile roof we were able to complete on time and budget in order to deliver a system that could match the clients' energy requirements."
Nick Lane, Estates Compliance Officer, said: "This is a great achievement for The Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust and it has shown our commitment to sustainability and behaviour change and it has really paid off.
The NHS has a carbon footprint of 18 million tonnes of CO2 per year. There are carbon reduction targets for NHS Trusts and other public bodies to reduce their 2007 footprints by 10% by 2015, 26% by 2020, and a massive 80% by 2050. It is hoped that the initiative will drive down carbon, whilst also helping save costs and the environment."
To maximise the returns, TGE Group also installed a remote monitoring system so that any issues with the system are quickly highlighted and rectified to ensure the system operates at peak performance and maximum benefits are realised. On the back of the successful project, TGE Group has been appointed to provide a further 50kWp solar PV system at Rowley Regis Hospital.
