Latest News: Installations Solar Energy to Bring Big Savings for County Council


Staffordshire County Council is embracing renewable energy technology to save money across the county. Following a decision made by Cabinet, solar pv (photo-voltaic) panels will be installed on up to 20 council properties across Staffordshire by April 2012.


The scheme will save £27,000 in electricity bills each year and puts Staffordshire at the forefront of renewable technology use.


Alongside the range of existing and planned biomass boiler installations and the exceptional energy efficiency of Staffordshire Place, the use of renewable energy will cut the council‟s carbon emissions by 200 tonnes per year.


The scheme will benefit from the government‟s Feed In Tariffs (FiTs) which are due to be cut after April 2012.


Staffordshire County Councillor Mark Winnington, Cabinet Member for Environment and Assets, said the scheme was a clear demonstration of the council‟s commitment to innovation.


“We want to make sure we take every opportunity to bring benefits to the people of Staffordshire, and by investing in solar panels on our buildings we can do just that.


“Solar power offers a big win for taxpayers: it saves us money and reduces our dependence on the energy grid. Combined with biomass heating and the hugely energy efficient Staffordshire Place, we are leading the way in value for money and renewable innovation.


“We will be working with local private companies to install the panels, which boosts the local economy.” he added.


£1 million from the council‟s Corporate Priorities Fund will be invested in the scheme with the investment being paid back within six years. No schools are to be included in this project as a separate scheme for school solar pv installation is being pursued.


PMA Installs Largest Solar Project in Region


The Swiss headquarters of PMA have recently undergone a transformation which puts them top of the bill when it comes to being green. Having begun the installation of almost 250 solar panels back in the autumn of 2011, the rooftop system at PMA‟s main office in Uster, Switzerland, has revolutionised the building‟s power supply.


The development is the largest of its kind in the Zurich highland region, with a whopping 241 panels installed, providing a surface area of around 400 square meters. This grand design has the capacity to supply 15 households with electrical power and PMA nylon cable protection systems have been incorporated into the project to aid its longevity and durability against the elements.


Forward-thinking PMA Manager, Bruno Krauer, first had the idea of fitting a


solar energy system on top of the building back in 2006. After discussions with various installation companies, as well as the Swiss government authorities regarding the rate paid for energy fed into the network, by the beginning of 2011 all that remained was to convince the directors of PMA‟s new owner Thomas & Betts that the investment was worthwhile.


Be-Netz, the largest and best-known company in the solar panel business, was chosen to implement the installation using PMA‟s photovoltaic system, which had been designed to stand up against UV and weather exposure. Indeed, the product‟s fire-resistant qualities also proved of great value, when the local building regulations office threatened to halt the project for fear of potential risks associated with voltage levels.


Philip Allington, PMA‟s Application & Development Manager said:


“We are delighted with the solar system that has been successfully installed, particularly as it incorporates our specialist products, without which, this project would not have taken place. The PMA multilayer conduit type XSOLL has impressed Be-Netz so much, they are now using the PMA conduit type for future installations.”


For all the most up to date news and products visit www.solardigest.co.uk January 2012 Page 5


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