Summary
In an effort to reduce energy use and save carbon emissions, the UK’s Ministry of Justice (MoJ) chose Ameresco to deliver roof mounted solar PV to seven courts in the Midlands starting in December 2020 with a delivery deadline of 31 March 2021. As a result of the efficiency of our delivery, we were awarded an additional project to install solar PV on the roofs of three prisons which were completed in June 2021. Ameresco is also providing operations and maintenance support and ongoing metering of the arrays across all sites for one year.
“Ameresco installed roof-mounted solar PV at three prison sites to a very tight timescale, working at pace with a pro-active, can-do attitude. Their professional approach ensured that the whole process went smoothly, to a high quality finish and meeting the required deadlines.”
– Mark Hoult
Sustainability Manager, Ministry of Justice
106 te
Estimated Annual Carbon Savings
495 kWp
Solar Capacity
428,000 kWh/PA
Annual Energy Displaced
£1,100,000
Energy Project Size
Customer Benefits
Ameresco’s expeditious delivery and management of this project allowed the continuation of the MoJ’s business without disruption. Combining roofing upgrades and solar panel installations not only ensured the roof material lifecycle aligned with expected 25 year panel life, but also minimised costs by utilising access for both works. MPPT (Multi Power Point Tracking) inverters allowed us to monitor the performance of each module and utilise performance data, further increasing returns and overall value. The project also advanced the Ministry’s long-term decarbonisation goals.
- Improved resilience from the grid
- Resulted in carbon savings of 106 te/year
- Integrated with fire alarm to shut down system if alarm goes off
- Facilitated ability to return to work post-Covid pandemic
- Demonstrated ability to deliver complex projects in a short time period
Solution
Ameresco undertook the detailed design work, CDM responsibility and project management of the delivery within the tight timelines set by the funding stipulation. The installation of the roof-mount solar panels on the seven courthouses and three prisons required working with the MoJ project managers Mace and QS, Jacobs as well as the on-site FM teams, Engie to work in busy live court buildings ensuring there was no disruption to their day-to-day business as they were catching up with a post-COVID backlog of cases.
- Installed 1,112 solar panels
- Provided operations and maintenance
- Ongoing metering of the arrays
