CIS tower in Manchester prepares to exploit solar energy

The first solar panel to form part of Europe’s largest vertical photo-voltaic project was installed in July on the tower of the Co-operative Insurance Society in Manchester. Over 7000 panels are being installed on three sides of the tallest building in Manchester. They are expected to generate 180 MWh of electricity each year. Work is due to be completed by December 2005. The panels are being supplied by solarcentury.com. This £5.5 million project is supported by an £885 00 grant from the Northwest Regional Development Agency and a £175 000 grant from the Department of Trade & Industry. The Grade 2 listed CIS building is the tallest office building outside London. It is over 40 years old, and the small mosaic tiles that clad the service tower needed replacing. The solar panels will protect the building from the elements and generate significant amounts of renewable energy.

Related links:

• www.solarcentury.co.uk