Overview
The Erlegh House Solar Panel Installation is a flagship sustainability initiative delivered by EDTS at the University of Reading’s Whiteknights Campus. Completed in August 2024, the project supports the Children and Young People’s Integrated Therapies (CYPIT) and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), enhancing the site's environmental performance and energy resilience.
Project objectives
- Reduce carbon emissions and reliance on non-renewable energy sources
- Improve energy efficiency across the Erlegh House facility
- Demonstrate the Trust’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure
- Support long-term cost savings through renewable energy generation
Key features
- Installation of 301 photovoltaic modules
- Integration of 2 inverters and 153 optimisers for enhanced system performance
- Annual clean energy production capacity of 133 MWh
- Full structural and fire risk assessments conducted pre-installation
Design approach
The system was designed to maximise solar capture and operational efficiency, with optimisers ensuring each panel performs at its best regardless of shading or orientation. The installation was tailored to the building’s structural capacity and safety requirements, ensuring long-term reliability and compliance.
Funding and support
- Total investment: £190,000.00
- Funded through the Trust’s sustainability capital programme
- Delivered in collaboration with University of Reading Estates and Facilities teams
Impact
- Significant reduction in carbon footprint for the site
- Supports the Trust’s Green Plan and NHS Net Zero ambitions
- Provides a visible and measurable example of sustainable healthcare infrastructure
- Enhances the working environment for CYPIT and CAMHS teams
Photography
