Polysolar Awarded Contract for Solar Installation at London Stadium
Cambridge solar BIPV technology company Polysolar are proud to have been awarded a multi-million pound contract in collaboration with Ameresco to design and install our innovative lightweight photovoltaic (PV) system on the iconic London Stadium, the landmark venue renowned for hosting the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as serving as the home of UK Athletics and West Ham United Football Club. The project is part of a broader £4.35 million climate action investment aimed at significantly reducing the stadium’s carbon footprint and supporting its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions.
The installation which has already started onsite, comprises some 6,500 square meters of ultra lightweight semi flexible solar panels directly bonded to the roof membrane, are designed for applications where roofs, like stadiums, that cannot accommodate the heavy loading of conventional solar panels.
The solar project supported by the Mayor of London’s £500m Green Finance Fund is projected to produce over 1MW hours of clean electricity each year, the equivalent of powering over 250 homes and saving 208 tons of CO2.
Meeting the Unique Challenges with Polysolar’s Cutting-Edge TechnologyThe London Stadium’s roof structure presented unique engineering challenges. Due to the obvious weight limits, high wind loadings, and complex shading situation, as well as novel access issues, traditional framed solar panels were unsuitable. Polysolar’s ultra-thin solar panels, weighing less than 3kg per sqm, directly attached to the roof without penetration of the roof surface, and paired with advanced electronic controls provided a solution that maximises energy output while seamlessly fitting within the stadium’s structural and aesthetic requirements.
Graham Gilmore, Chief Executive of LS185, shared his vision for sustainability:“We are committed to becoming one of the most sustainable live event venues in the world. This investment will reduce our carbon footprint and energy costs, allowing us to power concerts and event days with on-site generated energy. We are excited to lead in climate action and provide an eco-conscious venue for artists and event owners who prioritise sustainability.”
Hamish Watson, Polysolar’s founder explained:“Working closely with our partners and the client we are delivering this novel and complex Building Integrated Photovolatic (BIPV) project with minimal disruption to stadium operations. Using innovative design solutions and component technologies we have been able to deliver optimal solutions that make stadiums both sustainable and cost effective”.
For more information about Polysolar’s innovative BIPV solutions contact the team at Polysolar.