February 1, 2002—Delaware-based AstroPower, the world’s largest independent manufacturer of solar electric power products, recently announced that its solar electric power products have been installed to power two self-sufficient business complexes in the United Kingdom. The buildings, which are located in an environmentally friendly business park in Wales, each feature a 13.2-kilowatt APex solar power array. The combined system, designed and installed by Dulas Ltd., a leading renewable energy company, is predicted to produce 23 megawatt-hours of electricity per year.
Each array comprises 110 modules, which incorporate AstroPower’s 8-inch APex solar cells. The roof-mounted solar arrays will produce the majority of the electricity required for the 3,228-square-foot buildings. Visitors will have the ability to view the amount of electricity produced by the system as well as the amount consumed by the building via an LCD display stationed in each lobby. Excess electricity produced by the solar power system will be sold back to the utility company.
In addition to solar electric power, the two buildings feature passive solar heating, natural ventilation, and recycled newspaper and cellulose insulation within timber walls.
Designed for low-energy use, the buildings have received the highest-possible Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) grading. BREEAM is a widely used international method established to determine the quality, energy use, and environmental and health implications of new building developments.
For more information, contact AstroPower or Dulas.
