All equipment was provided by German solar engineer and distributor Colexon Energy, already known in the south of England for numerous projects using both thin film and silicon module technology.
The Shoreham project comprising five buildings at Hove Enterprise Centre will generate around 80,000 kWh electricity each year, equivalent to CO2 savings of more than 80 tonnes in comparison to coal generated power. Electricity will feed into the Enterprise Centre and to a nearby supply for yacht charging points and the port’s water pumps.
Will Cottrell of BEC said: “It’s fantastic to see community renewables in Brighton take off; the people of Brighton and Hove now own the biggest solar array in Sussex. This is the first of many projects and going forward we welcome discussion with any building owners looking to save money on their energy bills. “
Mick Harrington of NRG Renewables: “We are pleased to have installed such a system with Brighton Energy Coop and to have further expanded our portfolio of large scale installations. The installation was very smooth thanks to excellent support from all involved at Brighton Energy Cooperative and the Shoreham Port Authority. NRG are glad to have been a part of this pioneering scheme for community Energy in Brighton and Hove.”
Andreas von Schoenberg of Colexon Energy comments: “We are delighted to have been able to work on this important project with Brighton Energy Coop and NRG. Cooperative energy schemes like the one at Shoreham play an important role in bringing renewable energy to cities, where not everyone has the space or resources for their own PV. And they give people a personal stake in decarbonizing the economy as well as a good return on their investment.”
Brighton Energy has raised more than £200,000 to date and has secured sites to install a further 40kW.