One of the largest solar carports in the UK
One of the largest solar carports in the UK was completed for Aviva by Norfolk-based RenEnergy. And the stats are impressive.
More than 542,000 kWh of power – enough to power 138 homes – may be generated by the installation of the solar carport at Aviva’s Horizon building in Norwich. Built from recycled steel, the carport covers 250 parking spaces. During peak hours, the office – which accommodates 1,000 employees – will effectively be off-grid and powered 100% by the sun.
Across the course of a year, this system will provide more than 63% of the site’s total energy demand, representing a carbon offset saving of 166.5 tonnes per year, and a major contribution towards Aviva’s ambitious efforts to tackle climate change.
Designed with the Electric Vehicle (EV) revolution in mind, the carport has futureproofed the Horizon office to allow for the addition of EV charging infrastructure to meet user demand as it arises. This would allow Aviva employees to charge their low-carbon vehicle directly from the sun and avoid the constraints of an overloaded electricity grid.
“The solar carport is a really innovative way to generate green energy, tackle climate change and reduce our environmental impact. It’s a fantastic design that delivers on the environmental benefits without impacting on space. And it’s ready for the future with the electric vehicle revolution just around the corner. We are thrilled with RenEnergy’s brilliant design and construction. It was great to be able to use a local company whose skill and expertise in this field has delivered this amazing result.”
Stuart Wright, Property and Facilities Manager at Aviva