Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre (BBIC) is a vital hub for small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) in Barnsley. Beyond its role as a business support centre, BBIC has taken significant steps toward environmental stewardship. BBIC proudly positions itself as “the Home of Net Zero” in Barnsley.
One of their most impactful initiatives involves the installation of solar panels. BBIC recognises that efficient energy management is crucial for sustainable operations. By investing in solar panels, they aim to optimise energy consumption and reduce reliance on traditional power sources.
BBIC aligns with Barnsley Council’s target of reaching Net Zero by 2045 and understands that this requires collective effort. As trailblazers, they lead by example, inspiring tenants, partners, and competitors to embrace renewable energy solutions.
BBIC’s latest project involves installing photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof of their original building. While existing installations do not currently utilise battery storage, the new system features sophisticated new technology (see right).
Determining the precise percentage of BBIC’s total energy consumption covered by solar installations is challenging due to weather variations and installation effectiveness. However, based on their original baseline year, an estimate suggests that approximately 20-25% of BBIC’s energy needs will be met by solar power.
BBIC’s initial assessment revealed that a staggering 85% of their carbon emissions were energy-related. Their target aims to reduce carbon emissions to 50.2 tCO2e by 2025, representing a 23% reduction. Solar panels play a crucial role in achieving this reduction, aligning with BBIC’s commitment to sustainability.
While no additional solar installations or renewable energy projects are currently planned beyond the existing ones, BBIC remains steadfast in its commitment. Despite budgetary constraints (existing installations cost over £300k), they’ve all allocated an additional £100k toward further reducing their footprint by the end of 2024.
BBIC’s new PV roof installation features:
SunSynk Lithium-ion Unit: A robust battery storage system with a total capacity of 61.44 kWh.
12 Stacked Batteries: Each battery has a capacity of 5.37 kWh.
Efficient Energy Distribution: The battery system interfaces with a 50 kW hybrid inverter, ensuring optimal energy storage and distribution.