New solar panels at University of Exeter

The panels are now up and running on university rooftops, joining existing solar photovoltaic (PV) technology to take the university’s annual solar energy production more than one megawatt per year.

The installations are located on the Innovation Centre and the Sir Christopher Ondaatje Devon Cricket Centre, both on the Streatham Campus, and South Cloisters at the St Luke’s Campus.

They will produce an estimated 374,000 kilowatt-hours per year – enough to provide electricity for 100 homes.

The panels were installed by ZLC Energy, and the firm is already working on further solar projects as part of the university’s ambitious plan to respond to the environment and climate emergency.

“With the completion of our largest solar PV installations project to date, we are proud that we now have over one megawatt of solar production on our campuses in Exeter and Cornwall,” said Andy Seaman, Energy Manager at the University of Exeter.

“This puts Exeter among the leaders in the university sector.

“This is a great testament to the university’s commitment to maximising its renewable energy provision, and is a key statement of intent in terms of the environment and climate emergency.”

Mark Smith, director of ZLC Energy, said: “The new installations are phase one of a programme of solar installations the university have commissioned us to complete.

“We are looking at up to four years of work to deliver rooftop solar across the campuses, on as many buildings as possible.

“We are very proud to help the university tackle the climate emergency and do their part.”

The estimated annual carbon saving from the three new installations is 105,172kg, and the cost of building them is expected to be repaid via energy savings in just over five years. 

The University of Exeter declared an environment and climate emergency last year.

To read more about what the university is doing in response to the emergency, visit: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/sustainability/