The 1,000-module array is already generating around 1,000 kWhs of electricity per day – enough to meet the demand of one of the organisation’s three supercomputers.
“The Met Office is the home of very powerful supercomputers,” said SunGift Solar business development manager Gareth Walton. “These remarkable machines are used to carry out research into climate change, so there’s enormous satisfaction in knowing it is now being powered by renewable energy that we have installed. It’s also rewarding to have completed such a complex job ahead of schedule, with no major issues, and to such a high standard.
“In the past 12 months we’ve increasingly been commissioned to carry out larger commercial projects,” added Walton, “and this high-profile project proves once again that our work can meet the expectations of even the most highly-respected organisations.”
Although SunGift’s team of installers took just five days to install the Canadian Solar modules, the whole installation took about six weeks, but was delivered one and a half weeks ahead of schedule.
Dave Alderson, project manager at the Met Office, added: “Working with SunGift Solar has been a pleasure. The level of craftsmanship in fitting the solar array has been exceptional. Their commitment to this project has ensured that the solar PV has been installed ahead of schedule and is now providing the Met Office with electricity.”