VELUX solar thermal and Europe's largest onshore wind farm work together to reduce CO2 emissions

28 September 2009

The new £2 million sustainable visitor centre at Europe's largest onshore wind farm, on Eaglesham Moor, near Glasgow, which opened to the public earlier this month, is using the VELUX Solar Hot Water System (SHWS) to provide for its hot water needs.

Not only does the VELUX Solar Hot Water System contribute to the sustainable credentials of the state-of-the-art wooden building, but it is also operated as a working exhibit in the centre, which aims to encourage the general public to learn more about renewable energy as well as the technology behind wind farms.

Specially trained educational guides at the visitor centre, which overlooks the 140 turbines at Whitelee wind farm and is powered by electricity generated on-site, will be on hand to give school groups, the local community and the general public a hands-on learning experience. As well as educating people about the benefits of large scale wind energy, the lesson on renewable energy is brought down to a domestic scale with technologies like the VELUX SHWS.

Solar water heating is one of the most cost effective and easiest of all the eco technologies to install at a domestic level, and can provide up to 70% of a home's hot water requirements, helping to reduce domestic carbon emissions and fuel bills alike.

"As consumers become increasingly conscious of their impact on the environment and the rising cost of traditional sources of energy, the landmark site at Whitelee demonstrates that different forms of renewable energy technology can work and are already working in tandem to resolve these concerns. Large scale wind and small scale solar thermal compliment each other so well," says Kevin Brennan, Head of Sustainability at VELUX.

"We are proud that our Solar Hot Water System is associated with such a high profile renewable energy project, which is intended to make a substantial contribution to tackling climate change, as well as educating the public about the importance of reducing their carbon footprint.

"As a working exhibit in the visitor centre, the Solar Hot Water System will help to raise general awareness of the full range of applications for solar thermal; from large scale commercial projects such as this, to small scale individual homes. With increased awareness will come increased demand, encouraging house builders to install solar thermal technology as a cost effective means to help them meet the Government's carbon emissions reduction targets."

For more information visit: www.carbon-neutralhome.co.uk

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