London, July 2009

 

Overview

 

Southern Solar was approached by housing developer Wates Living Space to design, supply and install solar hot water systems for a new high rise development in central London. The project for London and Quadrant Housing had to meet the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) Level 3. The building comprised of 75 flats in blocks of up to six stories. In order to meet CSH Level 3 the solar hot water system only needed to provide hot water to 60 of the flats, reducing CO2 levels by 10%.

 

Our Solution

 

The initial design requirement was for individual systems to supply the 60 flats, but due to limited space a communal system was deemed the best solution. Southern Solar worked closely with the panel manufacturer Filsol Solar and designed 14 separate solar arrays that supplied hot water to between three and eight flats. This solution reduced the amount of pipework required and cut costs. Working with the structural engineer, an innovative solution was found for ballasting the panels, without compromising on wind and weight loading constraints. Risers were cut into the concrete slabs on each floor so that the pipework from the solar arrays could be brought directly into the airing cupboard of each flat. Southern Solar managed the grant process for this project and successfully secured 50% funding under the Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2.