The installation comes after Solarwatt glass-glass solar PV panels were installed by the electric-vehicle pioneer Nissan at its Irish cooperate headquarters. The projects underline growing demand for high-quality solar PV among of all kinds of activities and industries across Ireland, from offices to commercial farming.
The RDS, an organisation that works to see Ireland thrive culturally and economically, commissioned the 100kW scheme for its Shelbourne Hall, one of its purpose-built halls used for events such as exhibitions, conferences, concerts and exams.
PV combined with EV chargers
The installation on the roof of the 2,238 sq m hall was supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). As part of its drive to boost sustainability and lower utility bills, the RDS has also installed six 7kw Zappi EV chargers for the use of its Members and visitors.
The panels and Schweizer mounting equipment for both the RDS and Nissan projects were provided by BHC Distributors, which supplies Solarwatt products throughout Ireland, and installed by Local Power.
Pol Spronck, International Sales Manager of Solarwatt, said: “Sales of our MyReserve smart batteries and glass-glass PV panels have both grown fourfold in Ireland so it’s been a very good year. The 2020 pipeline of projects using Solarwatt products is very large, so that trend continues.”
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“The RDS in Dublin has continued its journey of showing leadership in sustainability and we are very proud to have carried out the installation,” added Pat Smith, Managing Director of Local Power. “We chose German-manufactured Solarwatt glass-glass PV panels with 30-year product and 30-year performance warranties, paired with Austrian-manufactured Fronius inverters.”
“The market is impressed by the quality credentials and durability of this technology and Solarwatt is achieving traction in Ireland, North and South,” said Mr Smith. “Interest is picking up partly due to all the talk of climate change and targets for cutting carbon emissions.“Environmental credentials are an important part of doing business today. People are looking beyond price to long-term benefits and cost control – that means quality.”
Driving sustainability in the built environment
Krystyna Rawicz, Managing Director, KRA Renewables, added: “With our background in building surveying and project management, this prestigious project reflects our commitment to driving sustainability in the built environment.” Installation of 100kWh of Solarwatt PV panels at the Irish HQ of Nissan, manufacturer of the Leaf electric car, was project-managed by KRA Renewables. (HCN)
