G&H Sustainability to install solar PV for next generation retail scheme

G&H Sustainability has won a contract to design and install solar panels for the £140 million Rushden Lakes shopping and leisure scheme being built in Northamptonshire.

Some 601 solar panels will be installed across 667m2 of roof space for the scheme that is being developed by LXB Retail and funded by The Crown Estate to create 400,000 sq ft of new retail, leisure and accommodation.

Leisure activities – taking advantage of the site’s picturesque lake – will see water sports including canoeing and wakeboarding on offer with a boathouse, restaurants and a visitor centre overlooking the water.

G&H Sustainability has been appointed by the main contractor Winvic Construction and the solar PV array will cut energy use by over approximately 140,000kWh every year.

G&H Sustainability Director, Andrew Hudson, said: “The scale of the solar PV array will save a significant amount of energy and significantly reduce the fuel bill year-on-year.

“Winvic Construction appointed us primarily due to our great working relationship and experience of providing efficient compliance with Building Regulations.

“We are managing the entire process from creating the initial designs, integrating with structural and roof cladding requirements, arranging all G59 authorisations, installing the system and providing a site wide web-based energy monitoring.

“Solar PV is a key component of any long-term energy reduction strategy – something many businesses can benefit from.”