Cranfield University
Bedford
The ambition
Cranfield University is a specialist postgraduate university globally renowned for applied research and innovative education in science, technology, engineering and management. The University has been reducing carbon emissions since 2010 and committed to a set of ambitious new targets including Net Zero Carbon by 2030. It has been awarded £16.3m across two successful bids from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which is initiated by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by Salix Finance.
RenEnergy has done various projects with Cranfield University to help the institution operate more sustainably. The university already benefited from a combined heat and power (CHP) plant, so the addition of solar PV allowed Cranfield to make further strides towards its targets. The most recent solar solution was a 900kWp ground-mount, installed in 2023. A disused car park at Cranfield University campus has been transformed into an innovative energy saving hub, thanks to a government grant.
Director of Programmes at Salix Finance Ian Rodger said: “We are delighted that an unused plot of land can be turned into an innovative project which should ultimately produce carbon savings. Cranfield is working hard to create a more sustainable future for generations to come and we are delighted to be part of the Cranfield decarbonisation journey.”
The solution
During the projects, several challenges had to be negotiated. One site is located next to the University’s airfield, which meant we had to liaise with the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure our design met with their stringent guidelines. We also had to contend with the potential presence of unexploded ordinance, as the site had been operational during the Second World War. This ground array covers 5,858 square metres, and generates 1,000kWh of electricity every year. We configured this ground array in a four-high landscape arrangement with row spacing limiting overall inter-row shading losses. To negotiate the presence of ordinance, a single pile frame provided the most flexibility for row placement. The array features 3,508 panels and 35 inverters.
Integrating with the existing onsite CHP plant required meticulous planning, as the scheme had comply with the G100 export limitation regulations. An export limit of 0kW was imposed on the site - no electricity generated from either the solar or the CHP can flow back to the national grid. Fortunately, we were able to use our many years’ experience to overcome these challenges and successfully configure the designs, integrate control measures, have the bespoke frames developed, whilst maximising output and complementing the requirements of the sites.
The most recent project site was the disused car park. Installing panels on a surface such as tarmac poses unique challenges, so we had bespoke steel frames developed for the ballasted ground array. This ground array covers 4,428 square metres and generates 803,000 kWh/p.a. This array features 2,570 panels and 26 inverters. The selected modules’ all-black appearance assimilates smoothly into their surroundings.
2,400kWp
Total installed capacity
6,078
Solar panels installed
61
Inverters installed
“We have a long-standing relationship with Cranfield University, where we have designed and installed solutions since 2018 to support the university’s carbon and energy management goals. We partner with our clients, understanding their changing energy needs and aspirations over time, providing innovative solutions using world-class technology. I look forward to continuing to work with Cranfield University to build a brighter, more sustainable future for the university and future generations.”
Damian Baker, Managing Director, RenEnergy
“This is a fantastic project, well-executed by RenEnergy who once again provided an optimal solution to some unusual site constraints.”
Gareth Ellis, Energy & Environment Manager Cranfield University
The benefits
The East/West oriented array on the car park is much less common than a South facing array. It reduced the amount of concrete ballast required to hold the array down, therefore reducing costs, timeframe and embedded carbon. An East/West array allows us to install up to 80% more capacity on the same area compared to a South facing array, so is a good option for high usage sites with limited space
The solutions reduce Cranfield University’s annual energy spend
The solutions are bespoke to Cranfield University, where our experience empowered us to navigate specific challenges
Otherwise unused land is now being productively employed
As well as providing the university with clean, cost-effective energy, it also creates an on-site renewable energy research facility for students
The car park project means the Cranfield University campus will deliver CO₂ emission savings of an estimated 377,421 kg/year, aiding the University’s goals to tackle climate change and take greater control of its energy independence.
Note that all estimated performance figures are calculated using industry-standard systems and norms, assume ideal operating conditions, and would have been estimated as at the time of the installation. CO2 equivalent analogies source