Leading the Way in Sustainability: British Gas Solar’s Commercial Solar Water Heating Project

In a remarkable endeavor to enhance sustainability, British Gas Solar, a part of Centrica, partnered with Land Mark Energy and Suffolk Flag Ship Housing. This collaborative initiative aimed to install 24 LSP20+ Commercial Solar Water Heating panels. These panels serve a dual purpose: heating a substantial pre-heat store and channeling excess energy to a heat exchanger integrated into the central heating system. This innovative approach ensures that the solar system significantly contributes to both central heating and domestic hot water supply. British Gas Solar, as the preferred supplier to British Gas, played a pivotal role in this transformative project. The installation site—a facility catering to the elderly with laundry amenities—features a consistently high demand for domestic hot water and central heating throughout the year. Consequently, the adoption of an industrial solar thermal system offers substantial benefits to this facility. This article delves deeper into the project’s various facets, highlighting its impact on energy efficiency and sustainability.

1. Fulfilling a Vital Need:

• Strategic Collaboration: British Gas Solar, in association with Land Mark Energy, had the privilege of collaborating with Suffolk Flag Ship Housing. The project aimed to address the pressing need for sustainable heating solutions.

2. Solar Panels Engineered for Excellence:

• Panel Selection: The project called for the installation of 24 LSP20+ Premium Commercial solar panels. These panels earned recognition for their exceptional performance and sleek design, meeting the project’s criteria for power output and aesthetics.

3. Structural Considerations and Aesthetic Appeal:

• Panel Arrangement: The 24 panels were strategically arranged in 3 banks of 8, mounted on sturdy A-frames. To ensure the panels’ stability and safety, structural calculations were meticulously performed. Additional timbers were expertly added and weathered over by a specialized roofing contractor. Subsequently, the A-frames were securely fixed to these timbers, ensuring the panels’ resilience and longevity.

4. Fulfilling Energy Demands:

• Year-Round Contribution: The solar water heating system is anticipated to contribute approximately 20,000 kWh per annum, effectively meeting the facility’s year-round demand for domestic hot water and central heating.

5. Financial Benefits and Sustainability:

• Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI): With the introduction of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), the project holds the potential to generate an annual income of £2000 while also achieving gas savings of £1000. These financial benefits significantly reduce the payback period for the installation, making it a sound investment in both the short and long term.

6. Resident Engagement and Transparency:

• Monitoring Display: To engage and empower the facility’s residents, a monitoring display was thoughtfully installed in the reception area. This display allows residents to observe the system’s performance, promoting transparency and energy awareness.

The collaborative effort between British Gas Solar, Centrica, Land Mark Energy, and Suffolk Flag Ship Housing has resulted in the successful installation of an advanced Commercial Solar Water Heating system. Tailored to meet the year-round demands of an extra care home, this innovative solution not only provides sustainable heating but also offers significant financial benefits through the Renewable Heat Incentive. With meticulous structural considerations, aesthetic appeal, and resident engagement, this project serves as a shining example of solar technology’s capacity to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in the housing sector. British Gas Solar Limited continues to lead the way in delivering top-quality solutions that benefit both businesses and the environment, setting new standards in sustainable heating solutions.