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CLIENT
Bristol Zoological Society
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System Size
49.92kWp
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Estimated annual output
37,929kWh
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Annual CO2 emissions savings
21,500kg
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Commissioned (1st system)
December 2011
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Modules
Emmvee
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Inverters
SMA Sunny Tripower
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Roof type
Low-pitch timber frame bitumen felt
CLIENT
Bristol Zoological Society is a conservation and education charity, which runs and operates Bristol Zoo Gardens and the Wild Place Project.
Bristol Zoo Gardens is the fifth oldest zoo in the world and first opened its doors to the public on Monday 11 July 1836. Since then it has started numerous conservation projects here in the UK and overseas, showed generations of school-aged children the value of nature for human society and has given more than 90 million visitors a great day out.
Solarsense has been working with Bristol Zoological Society on their on-going renewable energy projects since 2011. The zoo’s solar portfolio currently helps to power the indoor animal enclosures, aquarium pumps and heat lamps.
TASK
The historical Bristol Zoo Gardens is a sensitive site which required a careful planning application. As part of the Solarsense specification process the system was designed with ultra-low reflection textured glass all-black panels. A bespoke edge baffle was also engineered to seamlessly bring the edges of the array down to meet the roof.
Roughly the size of a tennis court, the installation generates more than 37,000kWh of clean, renewable energy to power the veterinary department below. The zoo has calculated that the original system will pay for itself within seven years, and will go on generating for at least another 20.
Since 2011 Solarsense has installed a further four solar PV systems for BZS and the organisation are now exploring solar carport options to improve their sustainable transport options.
Technologies installed
- Solar PV Panels
FROM THE CLIENT
“We are delighted with the result. It makes environmental sense and it makes financial sense – it is a success story all round.”
Tim WilsonHead of Estates, Bristol Zoo
