Rooftop Solar

The University of St Andrews strategy 2022-2027 sets out how we will integrate sustainability in our governance and decision-making processes, accelerating progress towards the Carbon Net Zero 2035 and wider goals in the University’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy. The delivery of additional renewable technologies is a fundamental component of the infrastructure needed to ensure the world-leading future of the University of St Andrews.

The main project objectives are to: maximise potential solar installation at the University from available spaces; increase energy security by reducing impact of future utility cost rises to the University; and to standardise the Solar Specification for the University, allowing additional expansion in the future to help meet out net zero commitments.

The project will install around 1,100kWp of rooftop solar generation, equivalent to around 4.8% of total annual electrical usage by the University. For context, this is enough power for around 500 medium sized homes. This will be delivered across 42 buildings within the estate, with an anticipated fiscal saving of around £240,000 and carbon saving of 200 tCO2e per annum.

Proposed Sites

The project will explore installing the PV arrays on the following University buildings, subject to final design and suitability.

North Haugh

• Powell Hall
• Whitehorn Hall
• Maths
• Physics and Astronomy
• Jack Cole
• Medical and Biological Science
• Sport Centre
• The Gateway

Town

• Observatory – Scott Lang
• Arts
• Buchanan
• Scottish Oceans Institute
• South Street Library/ Parliament Hall/ Senate Room
• The Old Burgh School
• Gannochy House
• David Russell Apartments – 16 Residences
• Fife Park – 11 Residences

Timeframe

Detailed surveys are now underway and will continue over the next few months. Work to install the PV systems will commence in June 2025 and continue through to October 2025. Installation of the system on each building will be carried out over a short period, between 1 – 3 weeks depending on the size of the system on that selected building.

Operational hours

Operational hours are 8am to 5pm on all academic buildings and between 9am and 5pm on all residences, Monday to Friday. Some work may be undertaken out with these hours, however advance notice will be provided ahead of these occasions.

Impact

The works will be mainly focussed on the rooftop spaces on all buildings and the internal plant rooms. Scaffolding will be installed externally to provide access to these roofs and the required edge protection to provide a safe working environment. The contractor is highly experienced in installing these systems and will strive to ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum. Precautions and actions are in place to ensure that the impact in terms of noise is kept to a minimum.