Manchester's Tallest Building Gets Europe's Largest Solar Array

MANCHESTER, England, November 9, 2004 (ENS) - Manchester is to get Europe’s largest vertical array of solar panels, designed to convert sunlight into electricity. Three sides of the landmark Co-operative Insurance Society (CIS) service tower, the city’s tallest building, will be clad with photovoltaic panels.

The installation will create 180,000 units of renewable electricity each year - enough energy to make nine million cups of tea, the insurance company says with a smile.

The ambitious £5.5 million ($10.1 million) solar project, the largest ever in the United Kingdom, is being supported by a £885,000 (US$1.64 million) grant from the Northwest Regional Development Agency and a £175,000 (US$ 324,435) grant from the Department of Trade and Industry.

UK Energy Minister Mike O'Brien said the government supports this project wholeheartedly. "This solar installation on Manchester's tallest building will demonstrate in the most visible way just how important renewable energy is becoming in our every day lives. It is proof of its growing appeal throughout the country."

"The growth and development of the solar power industry will help take us a step closer to achieving our renewable energy target of 10 percent of electricity by 2010, and to tackling the threat posed by climate change," O'Brien said.

It is expected that the 400 foot high array of dark blue solar panels, which will work regardless of the weather, will stand out on the Manchester skyline and even become a tourist attraction. Work will begin shortly and the installation is expected to be complete by the end of 2005.

The CIS tower in downtown Manchester, England (Photo courtesy CIS)

“The Grade ll listed CIS building is already a landmark, being the tallest office building outside London, but it is now more than 40 years old and the small mosaic tiles that clad the service tower of the building need replacing," said Pedelty. "These solar panels are the ideal solution. They will protect the tower from the elements, enhance its appearance and generate significant amounts of renewable energy."

“CFS has never shied away from the greatest environmental problem facing mankind today – climate change. All our mortgages are climate friendly and for some time we have been one of the largest purchasers of green electricity in Europe," Pedelty said. "Now we are embarking on renewables generation.”

Northwest Regional Development Agency Chairman Bryan Gray said, “We are delighted to be supporting this high profile project which typifies how innovative and forward looking this region is."

“Forty percent of Europe’s energy use is associated with buildings, but old building stock is renewed at only two percent per annum. Therefore, renewable energy and energy efficient solutions for existing buildings will be key to delivering national and regional targets in this area," Gray said.

“As climate change moves up the political agenda, the North West is yet again shining a beacon and leading the way for the rest of the UK,” he said.

Energy Minister O'Brien said, "The ultimate potential that solar offers, even in our climate, is substantial. It is therefore important to maintain a position whereby the UK can take advantage of the technology as the market develops. To that end, the government has committed over £40 million (US$74.18 million) to supporting solar projects such as this one and many others throughout the UK."