Case Study: Capel Manor Primary School, Middlesex – Bespoke Solar Canopy

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Case Study: Capel Manor Primary School, Middlesex – Bespoke Solar Canopy

Capel Manor Primary School, Middlesex

Client: London Borough Council
Contractor: T & B (Contractors) Ltd.
Architect: Shepheard Epstein Hunter PLC
Product: Bespoke Free Standing Solar Canopy
Canopy Size: 30.55m x 3.51m
Optimum Solar Output: 10.8kW
Estimated Value: £36,143.00
Date of Installation: August 2013

The Brief
T & B Contractors Ltd. had been contracted to build a state of the art extension and refurbish a number of existing areas at Capel Manor Primary School in Enfield, Middlesex. Part of the extension included a free standing canopy that would create solar energy for the school and protect the children playing underneath.

Colm O’Boyle at T & B Contractors invited us to quote for a timber solar canopy that would sit adjacent to the year 2 classroom that was being revamped. They wanted a system that would let the light through as well as providing solar energy.

Capel Manor Primary School, Bespoke Solar Canopy - Architects Drawing

Above: Side view of the required canopy by the Shepheard Epstein Hunter PLC architects.

The Solution
A full site survey was completed and quotes were created for a Tarnhow Mono freestanding timber canopy with solar panels and also a Kensington Mono-Pitch free standing canopy with solar panels as an alternative.

The contractor preferred the design of the steel canopy (Kensington Mono Pitch) and passed the quotes over to the architect in hope that they would also prefer the latter. The architect agreed that the steel canopy would be a better option, yet planning permission had to be re-submitted as the intended construction material had changed.

The architect requested the standard polycarbonate roof panels be replaced with solar panels as the main roof covering, however this would not work for the Kensington Mono as it would not be possible to make the current design water-tight. We therefore created a bespoke canopy design that is similar in appearance to the Kensington Mono, yet it could accommodate the requirements of the architect. In order to achieve this, we sourced Romag BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaic) solar panels. We chose these solar panels because they are a glass roof sheet with an integrated solar panel, making them perfect for this project.

Capel Manor Primary School, Bespoke Solar Canopy - Able Canopies Drawings

Above: Final steel solar canopy design created by Able Canopies Ltd.

Installation
In March 2013, planning permission for the new design was approved and an order was placed for a 30.55m x 3.51m bespoke free standing solar canopy powder coated in Slate Grey (RAL 7015).

Capel Manor Primary School, Enfield, Middlesex - Bespoke Solar Canopy

Finished Canopy (Roof Top View)

T & B Contractors specified a strict schedule for us to complete the works to ensure that the canopy installation did not disrupt other building works onsite. The proposed schedule for works agreed were as follows:
Start on site: 19th August;
Framework & Panel completion: 28th August;
Connection of panels: 28th/29th August;
Completion: 30th August

Extra planning on our side was involved to make sure we kept to these dates, and to make sure all canopy parts and solar panels were manufactured and delivered on time. Due to the careful planning of the Able Canopies project management team , which included regular communication with the contractors, the onsite installation went smoothly and the canopy was installed on time, and to the satisfaction of the customer.

Service: “Excellent”; Installation: “Excellent”; Product: “Excellent”; Would you recommend us? “Yes”

– L. Davis – Site Manager

Solar Canopy - Capel Manor Primary School, Enfield Middlesex

Able Canopies Ltd. Design, manufacture and install canopies and shade structures at various schools across the UK.

For more information call 0800 389 9072, email sales@ablecanopies.co.uk

Able Canopies Ltd. design, manufacture and install canopies and shade structures
at schools, nurseries and educational settings to enable year-round
Free Flow Outdoor Play and Outdoor Learning.
For more information please contact us

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Case Study: Capel Manor Primary School, Middlesex – Bespoke Solar Canopy

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