Centrica delivers solar PV for Poole hospital with new partner Aztec Solar

02 May 2024

3 minutes

Sustainability

Media Relations

Centrica Business Solutions is set to complete a solar PV design and installation project at Poole Hospital in Dorset, alongside new energy partner Aztec Solar Energy. The installation is part of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Trust’s transition to net zero.

The project involves five interconnected roofs on one building and will have 470 PV panels, five SolarEdge inverters and 261 optimisers. Estimates show that it will generate circa 200,000 kWh annually to save circa 50 tonnes of CO2 a year.

Aztec Solar will connect, commission and test the new solar PV system over just two days after installing the panels, inverters and other equipment over the preceding weeks.

Phil Bryant, Head of Public Sector Sales for Centrica Business Solutions said: “Aztec Solar is an excellent addition to our energy partner programme and given their experience in the health sector and their expertise in installing solar PV systems on commercial buildings, they were the ideal company to partner with for the delivery of the project at Poole Hospital.

“We’re seeing an uptick in demand from public sector and commercial organisations, looking to take advantage of the space above their heads for solar schemes. This provides cost certainty and a source of green power, supporting long-term sustainability ambitions.”

"We’re seeing an uptick in demand from public sector and commercial organisations, looking to take advantage of the space above their heads for solar schemes. This provides cost certainty and a source of green power, supporting long-term sustainability ambitions.”

Phil Bryant, Head of Public Sector Sales for Centrica Business Solutions

Stuart Lane, Sustainability and Carbon Manager for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Trust said: “We are delighted to announce successful project completions with Centrica Business Solutions and Aztec, overcoming site constraints and height access challenges.

We are implementing a new roof-mounted photovoltaic system to advance our commitment towards achieving net zero carbon targets. Upon completion, this installation is projected to generate circa 200,000 kWh of power or approximately 5% of Poole Hospital’s power demand and offset approximately 50 tonnes of CO2 a year.

The solar panel arrays are situated atop the Phillip Arnold blocks and the Dorset Cancer Centre. This partnership underscores our commitment to embrace solar energy as we decarbonise our estate - enhancing healthcare facilities and services for our community.”

Commenting on the project Chris Cowling, commercial director at Aztec Solar said: “Becoming a Centrica Business Solutions energy partner is an important step in our business’ growth in designing and delivering commercial solar PV installations. Poole Hospital is one of many healthcare buildings that we have provided solutions for, so we understand how important it is to work closely with Centrica Business Solutions to minimise the effects of our installation and the electrical shutdown on patient wellbeing and medical equipment.”

EDITORS NOTES

Aztec Solar Energy Ltd

Aztec Solar Energy Ltd advise, design, finance and install commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage systems (BESS). Creating bespoke solutions for organisations that want to reduce their commercial energy costs and CO2 emissions. Based at the University of Warwick and operating nationwide, Aztec Solar, has over 30 years of energy expertise and a strong track record of successful installations across the UK.

Comprising engineers seeking the most appropriate engineering solutions, Aztec Solar applies its extensive experience to deliver sound, practical expertise to improve cost-effective energy generation and secure long-term energy security. Operating since 2011 in all sectors, particularly education, local authority, manufacturing and warehouse storage, retail, sport and leisure, as well as communal projects including churches and community centres. Among its clients are the Headlam Group plc, the University of Warwick and Assura Medical plc

With a focus on safety, compliance and accreditation, Aztec follows the guidelines of the MCS (the Microgeneration Certification Scheme – MCS001), NECEIC, Safe Contractor and RECC (Renewable Energy Consumer Code). Aztec also advises on the accessibility of energy schemes and grants.