Solar rainscreens generate free power for Blandford School


Rainscreens incorporating solar photovoltaic panels have recently been specified and installed in the re- development of The Blandford School in Dorset for the Children’s Services Directorate, Dorset County Council. The rainscreens form part of the façade on the new extension to Block 5 in the third phase of the project which started in 2004 with the objective of bringing the secondary school together into one coherent suite of buildings. When the Property Management Division of Dorset County Council drew up the plan for the new building, a number of sustainable technologies were considered including on-site energy generation with photovoltaic (PV) panels. The architects chose to specify Vidursolar PV rainscreens from Telling Architectural. Some 180, 1 metre square PV panels are used on the curved south facing rear façade of the new building. Project technologist Richard Veale explained, “The rainscreen provides useful shelter from the elements on the most exposed elevation of the building and a visually stunning elevation. At the same time the panels provide a useful contribution to the school’s energy requirements.” He continued, “We have used Telling Architectural for rainscreens before and as on this project, we have been delighted with the results and the


technical assistance from both Telling and the installers ECL Contracts.”


The solar PV rainscreen panels were supplied in a metallic gold to meet the architect’s specification. To optimise the power generation from the gently curved façade, strings of solar panels have been electrically connected in columns. The result is total installed PV power of 12.5kWp and a yearly expected energy yield of approximately 6250kWh. This solar PV scheme qualifies for the recently introduced government feed-in tariff whereby a premium rate is paid to the school for electricity generated. A screen inside the school’s entrance area displays the energy contribution being generated by the solar façade on the rear of the building for the benefit of pupils, teachers and visitors.


The rainscreen cladding has been mounted on a lightweight aluminium support system developed by Telling Architectural to accommodate the cabling and aesthetic requirements of the client. The Vidursolar product allows many variations of colour and effect to be interposed in the solar panels. In this case the metallic gold specified is laid within the polyvinyl butryl interlayer that bonds the two layers of 5mm laminated safety glass together. The products carry a two-year


manufacturing warranty and Vidursolar guarantee 90% of the power output within the first ten years and 80% of the power output within twenty years of installation. The new building provides an arts and drama extension to the main school campus and includes a new entrance, main hall, dining hall, commercial kitchen, administration offices with dance, drama, music rooms and a recording studio on the first floor providing a total of 2,300 square metres. This third phase project was an eighteen-month build programme. The project was designed and detailed by Dorset County Council’s Design Team and was completed on programme and within budget.


The Vidursolar PV modules can be used as rainscreen cladding, within curtain walling, for roofs and canopies, atriums and sunscreens and are available in mono and polycrystalline translucent colours of blue, green, yellow, violet, grey and red. Further information on the Vidursolar PV modules is available from Telling Architectural on 01902 797700, email info@telling.co.uk or by visiting the company’s website at www.telling.co.uk


New range of Solar Energy Solutions from shentongroup


Power solutions company, shentongroup, has announced the introduction of a new range of solar energy solutions. The range is being sold to both industrial and commercial customers who, as part of their company’s environmental


policy in addressing climate change, wish to be ‘seen to be green’. The announcement follows the confirmation of the Government’s Feed In Tariff Scheme (FITS), on 1st April, which pays businesses to generate their own electricity from renewable or low carbon sources. The scheme guarantees a


minimum payment for all electricity generated by


renewable sources as well as a


separate payment for any electricity exported back to the grid.


With energy 22 energy solutions Building & Facilities Management – December 2010/January 2011


efficiency high on the list of every company’s achievable goals, the addition of the latest generation high efficiency Solar Energy system can turn a building from being an energy user into an energy generator. Energy supply companies are required to source a percentage of their energy from a renewable source in order to help cut carbon dioxide. Companies with large systems will be able to sell any surplus electricity back to their energy supplier.


The shentongroup entry into the natural energy market is a continuation of its ‘power with responsibility’ philosophy. The company produces a range of energy efficient products including its innovative Combined Heat & Power (CHP) system, powertherm™. www.shentongroup.co.uk Email: info@shentongroup.co.uk


Energy Solutions


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69