Sep 5 2002
BP have just supplied 87,000 state-of-the-art photovoltaic cells for the new TXU-Europe building in Ipswitch, UK. They will constitute the main part of the 200kW project, which is the largest solar installation in the UK.
The project is due for completion in December of this year.
The photovoltaic cells are housed in glass panels which will not only be used for harnessing solar energy, but also as a replacement for more conventional building materials.
At peak output, the solar powered system will be able to produce 200kW, or over 10% of the maximum power requirement of the building.
On top of being able to generate their own energy, use of photovoltaics will cut CO2 emissions by an estimated 140 tonnes per year.
The integration of the photovoltaics is particularly significant as it provides a showcase for their Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) technology, technology set to become more widely used in the future. Furthermore, they show how these technologies are now available to provide viable commercial solutions.
The building itself will incorporate four different types of glass-glass modules as well as using over 600 standard BP Solar laminates. The solar modules will be utilised on south facing facades as well as the atrium roof.
The building will be the headquarters for TXU-Europe, the largest domestic energy supplier in the UK. BP have been involved with the design of the building since the beginning, thus enabling them to maximise the benefits of the photovoltaic designs.
For more details on photovoltaics, click here.