Harnessing the sun to power UCL
Solar panels are helping UCL achieve its goal of having net-zero-carbon buildings by 2024 and being a net-zero-carbon institution by 2030.
8 October 2020
Photo credit:Matt Clayton
UCLhasinstalled600 square metres ofsolar panels on buildings across its campus to help generate more of its own energy from renewable sources. These panelsreduceUCL’scarbon emissions by morethan 28tonnesper year.
“Our central London location limits the ways we can generate renewable energy on campus,” says Ciaran Jebb (Sustainable UCL). “The easiest way we can produce zero-carbon electricity isbyusing solar panels.”Together, UCL’s solarpanels produce around 120,000 kWh every year,enough to charge 3.5 million smartphones.
““The easiest way we can produce zero-carbon electricity is byusing solar panels.”
UCLhas installed solar panel arrays on several of itsresidentialand academic buildings, most recently onthe Institute of Archaeologyand Student Centre (pictured).
The output from theInstitute of Archaeologypanels can be seen in thebuilding’sreception, while the outputs and environmental benefits from the Student Centre and Langton Close student hall of residence are available to view online.“This helps to raise awareness of our use of renewables among our staff and students who mightnototherwise realise the solar panels are on the roof,” adds Ciaran.