The Future is Here, The Future is... in Eastbourne?
Published 7th Nov 2005 by Brightonlife Conservation Dept.

The University of Brighton is installing one of the largest solar thermal installations in the UK. The installation of Riomay solar thermal heating panels is at Hillbrow, the University of Brighton?s swimming pool in Eastbourne. The solar thermal system is expected to save the University around 40 tonnes of carbon monoxide (CO2) each year.

The array of 60 evacuated glass-tube panels, spanning a gross area of 180m2, is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. The glass tube solar panels will produce more energy per square metre per year than any other commercially available panel in the world.

Over the life expectancy of the system, expected to be over 35 years, the system will save in excess of 1500 tonnes of C02.

The installation will not only reduce carbon emissions but could also provide a valuable education resource to students at the University and at schools throughout East Sussex. A display unit will be erected in the foyer of the complex and will monitor the performance of the solar equipment. The data could be fed through to University and school computer systems to enable students to study the effectiveness of renewable energy. The University of Brighton is the first university in Britain to install a system on such a large scale and it plans to make the array available to post graduate students for research purposes.

Riomay Solar Heating specialises in the design and installation of evacuated tube solar heating. The company?s Managing Director Tony Book is Vice Chairman of the International Solar Energy Society, a member of the World Renewable Energy Network (WREN) and a participant in the Government?s consultation process review for micro generation (renewable energy.) He is also a Schools Science Ambassador and keen to encourage young people to learn about renewable energy.

Based in Eastbourne, Riomay has been responsible for the largest solar thermal installations in the UK and Europe and major development and regeneration sites. Recent projects include Gatwick Airport, Windsor Castle, HM Cardiff Prison, Fire Housing Association, Habinteg (Ulster) Housing Association and a primary school in Warsaw. Riomay has also provided solar systems for numerous schools, hospitals, medical centres and public swimming pools.

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