Case study detail
City view of the Tower
CIS Solar Tower
Contributed by:
Harris Vallianatos
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The largest vertical Solar Panel Array in Europe, attached to three sides of the CIS Tower in Manchester, will generate enough electricity in one year to make 9,000,000 cups of tea.
Additional images
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Overview
When the mosaic tiles of the 40 year old grade II listed building on Miller St began to fall off, exposing the concrete below, an urgent repair was required. Re-tiling was not going to be reliable in this situation so the decision was made by Co-Operative Financial Services to further increase their committment to increasing the amount of energy they derive from renewables.
Technology
7,000 Photovoltaic (PV) panels were clad onto three sides of the 400ft high tower. They produce 180 MWh of electricity per year, enough to power 1,000 desktop PCs, and save 77 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide.
The use of solar panels has also had a profound visible effect, enhancing the tower's appearance. The building now literally shines, the glass, mirrored surface replacing the dull grey of the weathered mosaic tiles.
» More information about the tower
Cost & Funding
The total cost of the project was £5.5 million. A grant of £885,000 was obtained from the NorthWest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and a £175,000 grant from the Department of Trade & Industry.
UK Energy Minister, Mike O'Brien said: "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 per cent of electricity by 2010, and to tackling the threat posed by climate change.
"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 to supporting solar projects such as this one and many others throughout the UK."
Key features
energy
regeneration
Key data
Completion Date: 03/11/2005
Project Team:
Cost: £5.5 million
Local Authority:
Client: CIS
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