Attenborough Nature Reserve
Wind & Sun role: System design, supply & installation.
Grid connected PV System for new build nature reserve building.
- Module type: BP Solar BP785L (128 x 85Wp)
- Inverter: 4 x SMA SB-2500 (2.5kW)
The key design strategy for Attenborough Nature Reserve was to provide a building with renewable energy resources that would meet the annual energy needs of the building in normal use, thus providing zero net greenhouse gas emissions. The building is super insulated - typically a 300-350mm thick rockwool envelope which minimises heat requirements, a heat-pump is used to provide heating and hot-water and additional heat is provided by roof mounted hot-water solar panels.
Wind & Sun designed and installed the PV system that generates the electricity. An array of photovoltaic panels has been installed on the South facing roof with a peak electrical output of 11kW, producing an estimated annual output of 14,000 kW hours. The building is connected to the electric grid, sometimes importing and sometimes exporting electricity to a 'Green' electricity provider.
Wind & Sun also installed a large display in the shop and restaurant area of the centre so all visitors are aware of how much electricity is being generated and the amount of CO2 emissions saved.
