Today (Friday 20th October 2023), the UK’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham is now powered by an 80 kWp solar carport. This Gigahub is capable of charging up to 180 electric vehicles simultaneously, and is a shining example of clean energy being used to produce clean energy.
The 80 kWp photovoltaic installation was completed by sustainable energy solutions expert Ineco Energy PV, with modules from LONGi Solar, the world’s largest manufacturer of PV modules and solar wafers. SolarEdge provided the smart energy solutions and Bluetop Solar Parking the solar carport installations.
Sean McSorley, Sales Manager UK at LONGi, said: “We are proud to support a project like this new Gigahub at the heart of the UK motorway grid at the NEC in Birmingham. At LONGi we follow the concept of “solar for solar”, meaning to produce clean energy with clean energy. Charging electric vehicles with solar energy thus corresponds to our DNA at LONGi.”
Angus Rose, Director of Ineco Energy, added: “With transport accounting for over 24% of total UK emissions, EV Infrastructure is an essential part of the UK’s transition towards Net Zero. The NEC Gigahub is a flagship site that will showcase some of its 7m annual visitors and 60m traffic count what the forecourt of the future looks like, today. Powered by renewables including from the on-site solar canopy in the day and light up by LEDs at night, the charging hub provides clean and convenient EV charging infrastructure. LONGi Solar has been a reliable partner for us providing highly reliable and efficient modules.”
The UK’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham now has a 80 kWp solar carport, capable of charging up to 180 electric vehicles simultaneously. Ineco Energy PV, LONGi Solar, SolarEdge and Bluetop Solar Parking worked together to install the photovoltaic installation, with LONGi Solar supplying the modules and SolarEdge providing the smart energy solutions. This charging hub is an example of clean energy being used to produce clean energy, and is a flagship site that will demonstrate to its 7m annual visitors and 60m traffic count what the forecourt of the future looks like.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.