Our client’s building is a dedicated research facility housing an interdisciplinary centre, which brings together researchers from philosophy, psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience. The building supports cutting-edge academic research with high energy demands for laboratory equipment, climate control systems, and continuously running IT infrastructure.
As part of the University’s commitment to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2035, they identified this building as suitable for solar PV installation. The building has seven south-facing trapezoid roofs, without shading and free from industrial clutter typical on a laboratory roof.
Like many universities, our client faces the challenge of reducing carbon emissions whilst managing constrained capital budgets and maintaining operational continuity across a diverse historic and modern estate. The estates directorate needed to demonstrate that renewable installations could be delivered on sensitive academic sites without disrupting research activities or compromising building performance.
Research facilities have high baseload energy consumption. Laboratory equipment, and 24/7 computing infrastructure create substantial electricity demand. With energy costs rising 40-60% since 2021, the operational budget impact was significant and ongoing.
The University is required to report Scope 1 and 2 emissions annually. Academic institutions face increasing scrutiny from students, staff, funding bodies, and government on their decarbonisation progress. The estates team needed demonstrable action on renewable energy to support institutional Net Zero commitments.
As the roofs were trap roofs, a standing seam system was needed, with mansafe systems to be installed for the solar installation process. Additionally, grid connection and electrical integration had to work within the building’s existing infrastructure without requiring extensive internal works.
Carbon3 designed and installed a 36.54kWp rooftop solar PV system tailored to the building’s technical requirements and operational constraints. The system uses high-efficiency monocrystalline panels mounted on a standing seam system. This approach provides an optimal angle for sunlight exposure, and it enables a non-penetrating installation using clamps to eliminate the need for holes, therefore reducing leak risks.
Panel layout was optimised for the available roof space, accounting for access routes to plant equipment, maintenance walkways, and shading from adjacent structures. The design maximises generation potential whilst ensuring ongoing access for building maintenance teams.
The solar array connects to the building’s main electrical distribution, feeding generation directly into the building’s consumption. Excess generation exports to the grid during periods of lower demand (weekends, holidays), providing additional value through export tariffs. Installation included remote monitoring capability, allowing the estates team to track real-time performance, identify any issues proactively, and demonstrate generation data for carbon reporting purposes.
Installation was coordinated with the University’s site team, to work within the construction timeline of the building. Carbon3’s directly employed engineers completed the installation with no impact on the construction timeline. All works complied with University technical standards, CDM regulations, and electrical safety requirements for educational environments. Commissioning included training for university staff on system operation and monitoring.
The system is backed by manufacturer warranties on panels and inverters, with Carbon3 providing ongoing support for monitoring and maintenance. The estates team has access to real-time generation data through a dedicated portal, supporting both operational management and carbon reporting requirements. Carbon3’s close relationships with manufacturers provides an easy route to escalating warranty claims if needed.
This solar installation demonstrates that academic estates can integrate renewable energy at build stage, without disrupting construction programmes. The project delivered carbon reduction, financial savings, and operational learning that supports the client’s wider Net Zero strategy.
For directors of educational estates facing challenges, like ageing infrastructure, capital constraints, carbon reporting requirements, and the need to maintain academic operations, this project provides a proven model for renewable energy deployment.
If you’re responsible for decarbonising university or college buildings, Carbon3 can support your renewable energy programme from initial site assessment through to long-term performance management. Ready to discuss solar for your estate? Contact us today.
