Aztec Solar Energy has become a Centrica Business Solutions energy partner, and will complete its first solar PV design and installation project at Poole Hospital in Dorset, as part of University Hospital Dorset NHS Foundation Trust’s transition to Net Zero.
The installation comprises five interconnected roofs on one building, and will have 470 PV panels, five SolarEdge inverters, and 261 optimisers. Estimates show that it will generate circa 200,000 kWh annually to save circa 50 tonnes of CO2 a year.
Aztec Solar will connect, commission, and test the new solar PV system over just two days after installing the panels, inverters, and other equipment over the preceding weeks. Phil Bryant, head of Public Sector Sales for Centrica Business Solutions, said: “Aztec Solar is an excellent addition to our energy partner programme, and given its experience in the health sector and their expertise in installing solar PV systems on commercial buildings, they were the ideal company to partner with for the delivery of the project at Poole Hospital.
“We’re seeing an uptick in demand from public sector and commercial organisations, looking to take advantage of the space above their heads for solar schemes. This provides cost certainty and a source of green power, supporting long-term sustainability ambitions.”
Stuart Lane, Sustainability and Carbon manager for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Trust said: “We are delighted to announce successful project completions with Centrica Business Solutions and Aztec, overcoming site constraints and height access challenges. We are implementing a new roof-mounted photovoltaic system to advance our commitment towards achieving Net Zero carbon targets.” The installation is projected to generate circa 200,000 kWh of power, or approximately 5% of Poole Hospital’s power demand, and offset approximately 50 tonnes of CO2 a year. The solar panel arrays are situated on top of the Phillip Arnold blocks and the Dorset Cancer Centre.
Chris Cowling, Commercial director at Aztec Solar, said: “Becoming a Centrica Business Solutions energy partner is an important step in our business’s growth in designing and delivering commercial solar PV installations. Poole Hospital is one of many healthcare buildings we have provided solutions for, so we understand how important it is to work closely with Centrica Business Solutions to minimise the effects of our installation and the electrical shutdown on patient wellbeing and medical equipment.”
