Ecolution installed a total of 325kWp of Solar Photovoltaic retrofit systems on three buildings owned by Havering London Borough Council in both Romford, Greater London and Rainham, Essex

The London Borough of Havering want to be the leaders in action for the environment, and have been working with partners to achieve growth, development and better lives for the community while minimising its carbon footprint. They have been achieving this through educating their tenants, reducing both energy and fuel use of the Council, improving the energy efficiency of housing in the borough, and also promoting renewable energy. They also encourage greener travel in the borough, and ensure development within Havering takes into consideration its impact on climate change.

Ecolution Group installed a total of 50kWp Solar PV at the Avelon Centre which is a day service, open Monday to Friday for adults over 18 with learning disabilities. They offer a wide variety of activities and opportunities for their clients to further their education and develop specific skills and knowledge in preparation for everyday living and entering the workplace. For this Solar PV installation we used 250w polycrystalline modules and a K2 on-roof mounting system. 

Ecolution installed a 50kWp Solar PV system at Yew Tree Resource Centre which provide information and support for adults with a physical or sensory impairment residing within the London Borough of Havering. It is a unique day centre which brings together a number of public and voluntary sector resources under one roof, including social workers, occupational therapists and rehabilitation workers. For this Solar PV installation we used 250w polycrystalline modules and a K2 on-roof mounting system.

Ecolution also installed a 225kWp Solar PV system at Central Park Leisure Centre which is a sports & health centre for the community offering a wide range of facilities under one roof. As well as an outdoor multi-use games area, exercise studios, crèche and sport hall, there is also a health suite, gym, swimming pools and even a spa with sauna and steam room facilities. For this Solar PV installation we used 250w polycrystalline modules and a K2 on-roof mounting system.

Both the Avelon Centre and Yew Tree Resource Centre had security procedures which had to be followed at all times by personnel entering the premises, this was due to the category of clients. This meant co-ordination and co-operation was needed prior to installing the Solar PV system to ensure correct fencing was up around the active installation area for health and safety reasons.

Ecolution also had to ensure that any tools and materials taken onto site were all accounted for and that nothing was left lying around for safety reasons, meaning the installation had to run as smoothly and undisruptive as possible. Our installation team also had to wear identification badges at all times on site and adhere to the double entry door system in place for the security of the people at the centres. Our engineers and planning team had to organise the installation around restricted hours due to certain activities at the centre during the day. This meant our engineers had to work early mornings and evenings to get the installation complete with minimal disruption.

These retro-fit projects are a great example of how solar PV is helping councils create a more sustainable community with the added benefits of electricity savings. It has helped the council stream line costs so that funds can be better spent elsewhere within the community. It is a great use of what would have otherwise been wasted roof space which now helps reduce the carbon footprint and fuel poverty for this area.

All together these solar PV systems are generating approximately 276,250 kWh of free electricity per year with C0₂ savings of 146,136.25 Kg