Innovative ‘roll’ solar panels power island
SOLAR panels that roll out like a carpet are being used to help an island off the coast of Cardiff meet its energy demand as part of a “pioneering” project.
The Rapid Roll system, made of flexible solar panels that are unfurled from a small trailer, is currently powering buildings on Flat Holm Island.
The innovative concept takes just two minutes to lay out and can deliver the equivalent power of the needs of around three average UK homes.
The company behind the technology – Renovagen Ltd – was one of the winners of a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition run by Cardiff council last year.
Cabinet Member for Clean Streets, Recycling and Environment, Cllr Michael Michael, said: “I am very excited by this work which is in the vanguard of solar energy technology and has the potential to change the way we manage our energy requirements in the future.
“The energy created using these portable solar systems in a short space of time is very impressive, 11kW from a small trailer unit within two minutes or up to 300kW from a shipping container unit in less than an hour.
“Being able to promote new technology underlines the importance of the SBRI competition led by Cardiff council.”
John Hingley, managing director at Renovagen, explained how the solar panels were deployed to the island.
He said: “This was achieved via delivery of the unit to a beach by landing craft, through repositioning hun- dreds of metres away and full deployment of the solar field – all in only one hour.”
Technology such as this could one day be used in situations where a portable power supply is needed – like during a natural disaster.
Wales’ Skills and Science Minister Julie James, who leads on innovation and research across the Welsh Government, said: “We have worked closely with Cardiff council for a number of years on SBRI projects.
“This is a great example of how the authority is collaborating effectively with industry to deliver real solutions to some of the most important challenges facing us all.
“Utilising sustainable and environmentally-friendly energy sources is a key priority for this government and I look forward to seeing how this exciting project develops.”
Cardiff council is also using the Rapid Roll system at Lamby Way recycling centre to charge two of its electric vehicles.