Emissions savings from new solar-powered store

Over 150m2 of grid connected solar modules have been installed in a new B and Q retail store in the East Midlands to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere.

Over 150m2 of grid connected solar modules have been installed in a new B and Q retail store in the East Midlands to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere.

Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules, supplied by BP Solar, have been used extensively in the roof and fa?ade design of the B and Q Warehouse in Sutton-in-Ashfield and will contribute to the building's annual 275 tonnes of CO2 emission savings.

The project is believed to be the first major installation of BIPV solar power in a retail store design in the UK.

The grid connected solar installation, which comprises 151m2 solar modules within the roof cladding and 45m2 incorporated in the main entrance elevation, will generate peak power 7.6kW, which will support the electrical loads of the premises.

The main entrance elevation has semi-transparent BIPV modules laminated into the double glazing unit and integrated onto the elevation as a standard curtain walling system.

A larger, 106m2 PV installation on the roof of the store again uses BIPV modules applied onto the seams of the roof cladding.

This is mounted flat using rails through the standard access equipment brackets of the standing seam roof system.

From a architectural perspective, B and Q's choice of solar technology from BP Solar reinforces the concept of invisible integration which is now driving PV integrated design worldwide.

It will also help to raise building industry awareness that PV is now recognised as a standard building material.

BP Solar's Ray Noble claimed that the B and Q store represented a step change in the use of BIPV in retail store design.

"We used to just mount panels on existing roofs, but here we have included them in the design from the start so they form a logical part of the building.

Installation has often been a stumbling block for earlier designs, creating complications for on-site contractors that can result in delays or added costs.

But here, designers and constructors have benefited from using sustainable technologies applied as conventional building materials".

Grid connected solar technologies in both residential and commercial buildings are growing at rates in excess of 30% per year and according to a recent survey among local councils in the UK, it was easily the most favoured technology among those councils currently planning a renewable energy project.

"New or refurbished schemes can exploit building integrated photovolatics (BIPV), which provide the option of PV used as a substitute building material instead of roof tiles or glass walls", Noble said.

"BIPV offers both striking design features and displaces the original building material, thereby reducing the cost of introducing PV".

"Contrary to popular understanding, PV does not require full sun to provide energy.

A typical British grey day will also generate sufficient sunlight to produce electricity.

Available technologies now offer a wide choice to designers and architects, and the UK has some of the best solar designers in the world, so there is plenty of scope and expertise around to ensure that projects look right and work effectively.

The technology is simple for installers to manage and once installed is very low maintenance".

The new B and Q store uses a variety of sustainable technologies, taking these from the experimental stage in earlier store designs to firm building practices which will set the standard for future retail superstore designs.

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