Water and Effluent Treatment Magazine
Issue link: https://fhpublishing.uberflip.com/i/516873
"Quote goes in here" Quote Attribution JUNE 2015 WET NEWS 13 The 1.32MW solar PV system spans the roofs of four buildings at the site, and will enable UU to generate more than 1.1 million kWh a year • 1.35 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) system • Ability to generate over 1.1 million kWh per year • 4% per cent of annual energy consumption 1 Panels can be installed on any property with a pitched or flat roof that suits the purpose 2 UU is aiming to halve its 2006 carbon emissions levels by 2035 3 United Utilities can benefit through the government's Feed-In Tariff (FIT) scheme • United Utilities adopted some of the health and safety actions demonstrated by Forrest as best practice themselves and for other contractors. •Other water treatment companies in UK now looking at similar solar systems with Forrest due to the successful implementation at Fleetwood. • Due to the Forrest team working at height they were at the mercy of weather – from rain to wind speed • The team lost five days over the period due to poor weather, making working conditions impossible MOANS AND GROANS – one advantage of roof-mounted solar. The main design challenge was the different orientations of each roof on site that was going to feature solar panels and the Forrest team had to use 23 different options to optimise each system. The project is currently in the first stages of its lifespan and returns on investment will become apparent in due course, but currently payback is expected within nine years. The solar system has already delivered on its aim of providing United Utilities with the ability to produce its own energy onsite in order to reduce costs, plus, it will be better for the environment. Solar PV units work by converting light into energy, which can then be used to power facilities At a time when there is an increased pressure on water companies to tackle the dual challenge of purchasing vast amounts of energy all year round and reducing carbon impact, managing to decrease the need for its paid-for energy confirms that solar power is one of the most viable for the sector. As the sector is dealing with an essential commodity, it is hard to cut consumption down by even the slightest amount. Fortunately, planning regulations in the sector are easier to meet than most – because of the crucial work carried out – so the use of solar is an ideal solution.