Church Hill House Solar Panels
Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust has adopted a comprehensive Green Plan (2022–25) titled “Net Zero ‘n’ Green”, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable, efficient, and resilient healthcare services. A key initiative within this plan is the installation of solar panels, which offer significant carbon reductions, long-term cost savings, and protection against future energy price volatility.
The proposed location, Church Hill House, is ideal due to its large roof area and Trust ownership, ensuring long-term financial benefits and energy security for the lifetime of the panels (typically 25 years).
Project Objectives
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Trust’s target of 80% reduction by 2028/29.
- Deliver substantial cost savings and improve financial planning resilience.
- Support the NHS net-zero ambition and enhance the Trust’s reputation.
- Promote health and wellbeing through sustainable operations.
Key Features
- System Size: 31.45 kWp (74 PV modules, 2 inverters, 45 optimizers).
- Annual Energy Generation: 30,560 kWh.
- Self-Consumption: 94%.
- Annual Electricity Savings: £6,943.
- Annual Carbon Reduction: 5.91 tonnes CO₂e.
- Lifetime Savings: £171,851 over 20 years.
- Payback Period: 6.1 years (including maintenance).
- Warranty: 20 years on hardware.
- Estimated Carbon Savings Over Lifetime: 118 tonnes CO₂e.
Design Approach
- Full optimized SolarEdge system design with 3D site and building modeling.
- Independent structural roof report with loading calculations.
- Energy meter with 25-year monitoring platform and export limitation.
- Firefighter Gateway for manual and automatic system shutdown.
- Dedicated project and site managers from setup to handover.
- Compliance with all CDM and health & safety regulations.
Funding & Support
- Project Cost: £47,673 (excluding VAT).
- Total Cost (incl. VAT): £57,207.60.
- Return on Investment: Achieved within 6.1 years.
