Romag’s Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) panels have been installed as part of new £4.8million kennel block development at the Battersea Dog & Cats Home in London, which was opened by Her Majesty The Queen earlier this year.
This new concept in building integrated photovoltaics combines renewable energy generation with a glass laminate design to enable the PV cell to blend sympathetically into the fabric of the existing building.
The PV system was integrated into a canopy running the entire 145m length of the new kennel block, with the canopy incorporating several changes of height along the length of the installation. Not only were the BIPV panels able to meet load requirements, the size of the panels allowed them to be seamlessly incorporated into the architect’s initial design brief and vision.
Ablaze Green Energy Solutions Ltd, the main contractor for the installation, commissioned Romag to produce a specification for both BIPV panels and more traditional glass units. 1800mmx1200mm BIPV panels were selected which achieved the required electricity generation performance characteristics.
In addition, traditional glass sections were produced as ‘in-fills’ for sloping canopy sections where the canopy height was required to change. ‘Dummy’ panels were also incorporated once the required energy generation target yield was achieved through the BIPV units.
Steve Rose, Director at Ablaze, said: “Romag met our requirement to use a UK based, well-established and highly regarded company for this significant investment. The entire system was initially designed with the Romag product in mind to ensure everything went smoothly together.
“A recent visit to site revealed that the system has already produced nearly 50% of the expected annual yield in just over four months of operation, the PV element is already proving to be highly effective.”
Romag is a UK pioneer in BIPV, with over 15 years’ experience in this market as well as over 70 years of glass laminating experience and expertise. Romag was established in 1943 and has built a strong reputation around the globe for manufacturing high quality bespoke photovoltaic laminates in a range of shapes and sizes to meet individual client aspirations. Projects for the installation of skylights, facades, windows, covered walkways, spandrel panels and roof lights are regularly undertaken by Romag.
More details at www.romag.co.uk