The University of Leicester to share £1.8 million of Government support...The University of Leicester is celebrating after receiving funding from the DTI’s Major Photovoltaic Demonstration Programme to fit solar energy installations onto their buildings.

An artist's impression of how the redeveloped Main Library at the University of Leicester that will incorporate the solar energy installations will look when it is completed in 2007

Each of the projects will be adding solar panels that will make valuable savings in energy costs, reduce carbon emissions and, through high visibility, promote awareness of the benefits of the technology in the local community.

Commenting on the latest awards, Malcolm Wicks, minister for energy said:

“Generating electricity at a local level from micro-technologies such as solar panels and micro wind turbines has the potential to make a significant contribution to the UK’s future energy needs and play a part in our fight against climate change.

“The successful project I am announcing in the East Midlands is to be applauded for planning to install solar panels and they will see real benefits from their use, as well as knowing they are doing their bit for the environment. I hope it will encourage others to do the same.”

Dr Hans Bleijs of the Department of Engineering was the instigator of this latest addition to the University's quest for incorporating green electricity generation in its buildings, and was closely involved in the design of this scheme, which will act as a demonstration system for different PV technologies and a research tool for the Department of Engineering.

The University’s Project Manager, Peter Bale, said he was proud that the University had the foresight and commitment to incorporate this technology into this flagship development and felt it had inspired the Design and Construction team working with their suppliers and University Academics to produce a scheme that could be supported by the DTI ensuring the aspiration becomes a reality for future generations.

The University also acknowledges the pivotal support given to the scheme from the outset by the John Hobley trust.

University of Leicester – Leicester Academic Library Services Ltd

The University of Leicester is undertaking an ambitious 30 year £330 million pound investment programme, enabling it to stay at the forefront of UK and worldwide higher education providers. The intention is to transform the University of Leicester’s physical environment, creating a distinctive campus in which to work and study. As part of this master plan, Leicester Academic Library Services Ltd (LALS), an entirely owned University subsidiary company, is to extend and refurbish the Main Library building.

As part of its Energy Management Policy, the University is committed to achieving the best practice benchmark standards in energy efficiency. The building is expected to receive a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating in part by incorporating a bespoke glass/glass thin film photovoltaic array that provides huge energy savings as well as aesthetic appeal.

The University Library was constructed in the early 70s and was an innovative and functional building for its time; thus, it is fitting that this tradition continues. It is expected that the solar feature will be used in research as well as inspiring the next generation of academics to appreciate the technical and visual potential for renewable technology.

Size funded: 38.08 kWp
Installer: Solar Technologies

This is the 14th round of grants under the Major PV Demonstration Programme. Since 2002 almost £25 million has been awarded to 236 individual projects. The scheme is due to be completed at the end of March when it will be superseded by the Low Carbon Building Programme.