By Councillor Peter Hickman
The project to install solar panels onto the flat roof of Folkestone Rowing Club on Granville Parade got the green light to proceed by the in house committee back in the late spring of 2023. There were some challenges to overcome! These included funding, planning permission and getting the right design for the sometimes harsh environmental conditions that the panels would have to endure.
A small solar installation committee was formed consisting of Murray Fairclough (Oversight and finance), Peter Godden (FRC Building Surveyor and Planning), Karen Callander (Green grants and finance) and Peter Hickman (Project oversight, quotes and installation co-ordination).
A number of quotes were obtained and initially the committee decided on a ballast solution for the installation as this saved panel fixings being directly drilled into the waterproof roof membrane. However, when the final weight calculations were submitted to the FRC structural engineer he was unwilling to sign the project off as it effectively put eight tons of additional weight onto the100 plus year old roof.
It was time for a rethink. Peter Hickman approached Kevin Blackman from Emerald Electrical in Hythe to take a look at the issue of how to secure the panels without compromising the the waterproof membrane on the roof. The innovative solution is described more fully below.
The installation of 16 solar panels onto the flat roof of the FRC marks a significant achievement in innovative design. Emerald Electrical opted for a bespoke uni strut frame rather than a conventional ballast solution and this approach really showcases the innovation and how it is tailored to a specific architectural need. Unlike the ballast fix that relied on heavy weights to secure the panels, the uni strut frame used for our installation ensures a lighter, more secure, and aesthetically pleasing setup, minimising structural load on the flat roof while providing stable anchorage on the side walls for the panels.
The bespoke framing system was designed to accommodate the unique characteristics of the club’s roof. Given the challenges posed by potential wind uplift on flat surfaces, precise engineering was critical in optimising the frame’s positioning and alignment, ensuring that each panel will perform efficiently without being adversely affected by wind or adverse weather conditions. The structural adaptation included careful adjustments that protected the existing roof membrane, therefore avoiding potential water leaks and ensuring the long-term integrity of the installation.
The committee believes that this successful installation not only advances the club’s sustainability goals by reducing reliance on traditional energy sources but also demonstrates a commitment to innovative engineering solutions. The solar panels are expected to significantly cut electricity costs by harnessing the available sunlight, thereby reducing the club’s carbon footprint while providing a reliable, renewable energy source.
This project sets a precedent for similar installations within the community, illustrating how customised engineering solutions can effectively address site-specific challenges.
This was an ambitious project that at times proved challenging and I would personally like to thank my fellow committee members for all their hard work in getting this over the line. A special thank you goes to Karen Callender for pushing through the mountain of paperwork! Thank you Karen!
The installation commenced on Monday 18th November and was completed on Friday 22nd November. Our first green electricity was generated at 3pm on that day.
The cost of our system from the excellent Emerald Electrical Services was £8,100 (no VAT to pay) for a 18 panel 7.38kw system, with savings estimated to be up to £2,053 per year based on a unit rate of electricity being 33p. 40% of the capital cost was met by a grant from the Folkestone and Hythe District Council Green Business Grant scheme, offering grants of up to £10,000 to cover up to 40% of a total project cost.
