University Hospitals Morecambe Bay NHS Trust commissioned a feasibility study to assess installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and electric vehicle charging points to reduce carbon footprint and energy costs at their Kendal site. The study, conducted by PSA, recommended constructing a carport structure over the existing hospital car park to accommodate PV panels and charging stations, as well as upgrading the high voltage supply. The report outlined the projected 12-year payback period, including costs for infrastructure upgrades. The findings enabled the hospital’s management to build a robust business case for securing funds to proceed with this sustainable initiative aimed at decarbonisation and cost savings.
CLIENT: University Hospitals Morecambe Bay NHS Trust
VALUE: £2.2m
LOCATION: Kendal
SERVICES: Feasibility Study & Electrical Design
CLIENT OBJECTIVES
As part of its drive towards reducing the carbon footprint of the site while driving down energy costs, the hospital required an assessment of the feasibility of installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and Electric Vehicle Charging points to provide energy for the whole site as well as create Demand Side Response (DSR) for the National Grid. Given the budgetary constraints, the client requested that this feasibility study also outline the available options within their financial limitations.
OUR SOLUTION
The hospital engaged PSA, a building services engineering design consultancy, to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study and electrical design. Our team performed a thorough study to help the client understand not only the best locations for solar panels but also the full cost savings and return on investment.
After carefully evaluating the site, our team concluded that the most geographically favourable location for the PV system would be the existing hospital’s car park. We proposed the construction of a carport structure over the parking area, which would not only accommodate the PV panels but also provide charging stations for staff and visitor vehicles.
The report also outlined the need for an upgrade to the existing High Voltage supply and main infrastructure to support the additional generation.
THE OUTCOME
The feasibility study comprehensively informed the hospital’s decision-makers of the available options for implementing a PV system and installing car charging stations. The study’s findings have been instrumental in enabling the hospital’s senior management to build a robust business case for securing the necessary funds to proceed with this sustainable initiative. The report outlined the projected payback period as 12 years, which included the costs associated with the high voltage and site capacity upgrade.
