Solar panels installed in Portsmouth

Wed, 30 May 2012

Following the introduction of Government incentives for the installation of renewable energy systems, Colas was keen to assess the potential for utilising solar photovoltaic (PV) technology in support of our sustainable development strategy.

After consideration, our office at  Portsmouth was selected as an ideal location for the installation of the solar panels.

Photovoltaic panels use sunlight to produce electricity which is then fed directly into the office's supply. The size of the system installed in Portsmouth will contribute significantly to the electricity requirements of the office throughout the year, and any unused energy will be fed back into the National Grid.

This initative demonstrates Colas' continuing commitment to minimising our impact on the environment, and we anticipate savings of over 20 tonnes of CO2 per year (which in real terms should result in an energy saving of around £5000).  

Colas Engineering Manager, Mike Taylor, who worked on the project commented on the benefits of the PV system saying: "By generating renewable energy we have not only considerably reduced our CO2 emission, which was our main drive, but we also have the benefit of substantially reducing our energy costs for today and going forward."