The Sealion House at Knowsley Safari Park, one of the most popular attractions at the busy Merseyside Park, has been fitted with solar panels to help reduce electricity bills and the Park’s carbon footprint.
Edward Perry, Director of Operations for Knowsley Estates which runs the Park, said that the energy generated from the solar panels would help reduce rising electricity bills for heating and lighting the Sealion House, especially when the feed-in tariff income from the install was taken into account.
Spare energy from the panels will also be used to power children’s fairground rides next to the Sealion House.
Mr Perry said: ‘We are trying to make the most of every opportunity we have to be greener. The Eco Environments team did a brilliant job to get us installed. Families love visiting the Sealion House and we’re delighted that our four resident Californian Sea Lions Biffo, Max, Arthur and Reggie can help boost our green credentials, slash energy bills and reduce our carbon footprint.’
There are plans to install a large digital display inside the Sealion House so visitors can see exactly how much electricity the solar panels are generating each day.
Knowsley Safari Park asked Liverpool-based Eco Environments to design and install the solar array. A 10kWp system of 40 Hyundai 245kW solar panels was installed on the roof of the Sealion House.
It is estimated that the solar installation will save the Park £804.29 on electricity bills every year – reducing its carbon emissions by over 4423kg per year – and a £1366 annual income would be generated through Feed in Tariffs. Eco Environments estimates that the Park will see an average annual return on investment of 25 per cent.
The Park’s owners, Lord and Lady Derby, have also installed a 8kWh solar PV system on their own house. Combined with the latest scheme on the Sealion House, these projects generate electricity each year equivalent to the needs of five medium houses.
In addition, the Safari Park has installed an air source heat pump with under-floor heating in its Antelope House, plants thousands of trees, and has plans for a 50kW wind turbine to meet the energy demands of much of the walk round area including the restaurant, shop and rides.
Mark Buchanan, Commercial Director with Eco Environments, said: ‘All sorts of businesses with significant energy consumption are choosing to invest in a range of renewable energy technologies with solar panels being the most popular.
‘Knowsley Estates is a fantastic client because they understand the importance and significant benefits of developing a comprehensive environmental strategy with solar PV as one of the key elements.’
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
