New Solar Rooftop Installation for Belgian Hospital

Hanwha SolarOne Co., Ltd. (South Korea), a photovoltaic manufacturer of high-quality, cost-effective solar modules, has announced the completion of a 425 kWp delivery of solar modules to Belgium-based solar company Ikaros Solar. The modules have been installed at the Haute Senne Hospital in Soignies, Wallonia, Belgium. Officially inaugurated in June 2014, the solar installation is one of the largest of its kind in the region. 

The Haute Senne hospital has adopted an extensive set of environmental guidelines, addressing topics ranging from the operation of buildings to daily working processes. As the buildings at the hospital site Le Tilleriau have undergone expansion, the addition of a PV system was a natural choice for the institution. The available area consists of a mixture of flat and pitched roofs. Due to the technical complexity and tight timeline of the project, the hospital commissioned the experienced PV specialist company Ikaros Solar to carry out the planning and installation of the system.

With electricity consumption by the hospital stable over the day and throughout the year, Ikaros Solar dimensioned the solar system for a high level of self-consumption. The completed installation covers an area exceeding 3,000 m2, and a total of 1,410 high-quality HSL72 solar modules are mounted on the hospital’s roofs. Expected annual energy output of the system is 344 MWh, of which 95% will be consumed by the hospital directly.      

“With large rooftop areas available and electricity demand stable at a high level, the Haute Senne hospital was an ideal match for solar energy,” said Yves Devis, CEO of Ikaros Solar. “The hospital will notice the positive effect on its electricity bill immediately – and for the next couple of decades. As often reported, the cost of electricity is generally expected to increase. By producing their own power, Haute Senne has secured a higher level of autonomy as well as improved predictability when it comes to expenses.”

“Owners of commercial and residential buildings are becoming increasingly aware of the advantages of a PV rooftop, and we see great potential in this segment,” said Laurent Bodin, Director Sales France & Benelux of Hanwha SolarOne. “To meet the needs of our European customers, the HSL solar modules are distinguished by extended durability to withstand heavy snow and wind loads. Spending a lifetime outdoors can be tough, but our solar modules come well prepared. We look forward to equipping many more solar rooftops in the future.”