Exeter GPs health centre prescribes solar
Exeter-based Mount Pleasant Health Centre has had solar panels fitted to its roof to reduce its high energy bills.
The busy medical practice opted for the system as it has extremely large energy usage. In the spirit of the centre’s continued commitment to the public, its management were naturally keen to look at ways to reduce its carbon footprint.
The Centre chose local company SunGift Solar to undertake the work.
The practice now proudly displays a 10kW solar PV system on its roof, which is being used to provide power for the centre’s lighting, IT infrastructure and specialist equipment such as ECG machines. As the centre uses its electricity throughout the day – when the sun is shining – it uses the majority of the energy that the system generates, rather than having to export it back to the grid.
In addition to the environmental benefit of opting for solar, there is also a financial reward for taking the leap. The installation at Mount Pleasant Health Centre will generate enough solar energy each year to power the equivalent of five homes. With a payback period of just seven years the investment offers a substantial return.
When the centre began to research options for renewable energy solutions, Practice Manager Julie Croze was overwhelmed by the variety and complexity of solar panel options available. “Not knowing anything about solar energy, the terminology was daunting,” said Julie, “but everything was explained so clearly.”
Following an expert survey, which suggested two potential options, the centre opted for a larger system because as Julie put it: “If you have the space why not capitalise on it. It really is first class, looks great and has been installed in such a neat and tidy way.”
SunGift expert Joe Perry said: “Rising numbers of health centres are looking to Solar PV to reduce their overheads and bring in additional income. We’re seeing systems that are achieving a 20% return on investment which means systems are paid off in as little as five years and the additional income can be used to help with practices’ general running costs.”
Photos: Practice Nurse Janis Boxall-hunt and Dr Paul Hynam from the health centre with SunGift Operations Manager Kevin Ciolino and Project Manager Kelly Ridley with the new solar PV system.
