Solar energy panels multiplying

13/04/2012 10:23:54

 

Solar power has been installed on a larger scale to help operate water and waste treatment plants in Devon and Cornwall.

Photovoltaic (PV) cells, or solar panels, have been used by South West Water at another 17 of its sites, boosting its green credentials and its six sites that are already using solar energy.

Site have been equipped with a set of 261 solar panels, with the collective capacity to produce 50kW of energy and power 50 homes. Each panel has the dimensions of 1.58m by 0.81m, with each set of panels measuring one fifth of a football field.

On four sites twice as many panels have been installed, with the capacity to produce 100kW of energy, or power 100 homes.

James Pearce, project manager for South West Water's H5O partnership, said the new solar panels add to the company's existing hydro-electric and biogas plants and wind turbine, and will help to develop its sustainable energy output.

He added: "Generating renewable energy for use on South West Water's operational sites reduces electricity costs and will have a positive impact on South West Water's customers' bills into the future."

Copyright Press Association 2012

 

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