Solarflair: Edge Hill University
Supplier: Solarflair Ltd
Customer: John Turners (main contractor)
Location: Merseyside
Summary of the Project
With 30 square metres of evacuated tube solar collector area, this is one of the largest solar installations in the North West. To cater for the relatively high daily hot water consumption the 300 litre gas fired primary hot water cylinder is now supplied by two 1000 litre solar heated pre heat cylinders.
As the developer was reluctant to permit any roof penetration for the solar panel fixing it was decided to use a ballast system to secure the panels. After discussions with the structural engineers we used over 1.5 tons of concrete ballast.
To keep the staff and students up to date with the energy efficiency of the building there is an “energy wall” in the reception area which changes colour as the energy usage changes. Also fitted is a digital display showing the temperature of the solar panels, storage cylinders and the total kwh produced.