Purpose and Proposed Use

 

The proposal for photovoltaic panels is to;

  

   -reduce consumption of electricity produced from fossil fuels

  -reduce use of electricity generated at distance from site, which leads to transmission losses

 

Both of these help in the global endeavour to slow down climate change

 

-diversify the sources of energy used; a strategy to guard against the severity of any loss of supply and to improve         security

-reduce running costs due to energy consumption.

 

A review of other ways of trying to achieve the same results has shown them to be either  inappropriate or unsuitable for locating in the building or attaching to its walls outside.

 

Feasibility

 

Feasibility of making an installation and operating it has been assessed by site visits by two installing companies approved by the Building Research Establishment, the government’s agents, one of whom has delivered a detailed report confirming the project is satisfactory subject to checking of a few minor matters. The other reported orally that the proposal was suitable and could be executed. The electricity distribution network operator has confirmed they have no objections.

 

Amount

 

The aim is to maximise use of the available roof while not compromising the architectural intent of the building’s design. This results in arrays on the east and west pitched roofs which will generate around 11,000 kWh (units) per annum (predicted); an input of approximately one sixth of current annual consumption. It is anticipated all or almost all of it will be used on site. If any surplus did become available it would be exported to the grid.

 

Layout and Scale

 

The roof arrays will be arranged to take full advantage of the vacant area while retaining the bordering effect of the underlying surface of the slates. The outer boundaries are marked on the accompanying east and west elevations drawings.

 

Landscaping

 

No landscaping is proposed nor necessary. Apart from the roof arrays the entire installation is to be inside the building.

 

Appearance

 

With a dimension of no more than 160 mm from the roof surface to the upper face of the photovoltaic cells an observer at either the north or the south elevation, the cable ends, will be unable to see the installation unless they stand more than 20 metres away. Beyond that distance the profile line will be nearly lost against the roof slates background.

 

There is virtually no scope for choosing a particular colouring; that is predetermined by the type of material necessary to produce a functional monocrystalline cell; basically impregnated silicon typically overlaid with annealed glass, EVA plastic, and having embedded alloy elements, and weather protection film, and mounted with anodised aluminium frame and hooks. The appearance of each cell is highly consistent with that of the others which gives an overall impression of orderliness. The attached illustrations are taken from various sources. The bluer ones are not representative of colour but give fair impressions of the structural arrangement though scaled to give a smaller output. The proposed cells are very dark blue, almost black, with hardly distinguishable lining running through them. In the author’s subjective view they are recognisably functional but do not look offensive.

 

 On the other hand, the panels will be a feature of the building; recognisable as part of the necessary drive for sustainability and one which it is hoped will alert a wide public to the possibilities of moving from conventional electricity to a supply produced by a green means, - sustainable energy. This aspect, the raising of public awareness of the need for action on CO2, and ways of meeting it, is a key element of the Wharf House Company’s policies. It is also a requirement of the bodies approached for funds for the project.

 

A display panel showing real-time readings of energy being generated, energy being consumed and rate of saving of CO2, will be on permanent show in the centre’s museum, getting the same message across to visitors by a different but complimentary mode .

 

Vehicular and Transport Links

 

These remain unchanged from existing. Materials will be brought onto site from the spur road going to the Wharf House car park or directly from the side of Horseshoe Drive. During the few days of installing work one door may be closed off.

 

Inclusive Access

 

The present inclusive openness to all comers manifested in the design of the building and the daily practices of the centre will remain unchanged during and after the project.

 

Consultation with the local Residents’ Association produced a favourable and understanding response.

 

Personnel carrying out the installation will use scaffolding to access the roof.

 

Health, Safety and Crime Prevention

 

Due diligence will be exercised on these issues.

 

 

       Prepared by:  Paul Brown,

        pv Project Manager.  19/03/09

Planning application for Photovoltaic Roof Panels - Design and Access Statement