Marks & Spencer is installing the UK’s largest single roof mounted solar panels on its East Midlands distribution center in Castle Donington, reports Renewable Energy Magazine.
The project is executed in partnership with Amber Infrastructure, with the PV system covering approximately 900,000 square foot roof of the building.
The plant is expected to generate over 5,000 MW of electricity, enough to power 1,190 houses annually.
In addition, the 24,272 panel array will reduce M&S’s carbon footprint by 48,000 tons over 20 years.
Through a 20 years PPA, Amber will supply as well as install 6.1MWp solar panel system for M & S.
Completion of the project is expected in early 2015.
The generated solar energy will be enough to make the fully automated distribution center close to work during daylight hours.
By 2020, company wants to ensure that 50 percent of their electricity used for building operations are coming from small scale renewable sources.
The solar PV roof is one among many renewable projects set to be announced by M&S over the next 12 months.
This project further enhances the sustainability credentials of BREEAM Excellent Castle Donington site, said, Hugo Adams, director, Property, M&S.
Coupled with one of Europe’s largest solar thermal walls, the new solar PV system will make the building one of the most sustainable distribution centers in the world, commented Adams.
According to Tom O’Shaughnessy, partner at Amber Infrastructure, the project will create a template for the delivery of similar schemes across the UK.
Sabeena Wahid
editor@greentechlead.com