The system has a total output of 297 kW – enough to power about two hundred homes.There are only three other solar power systems in the whole of the UK water industry larger than the new installation, putting Bristol Water very much at the forefront on this typeof renewable energy.
The system was approved by Western Power Distribution for connection to the grid and will provide energy to the works throughout the next 25 years.
Bristol Water has not had to pay for the design, construction, equipment or electrical engineering work.
Solaris, the engineering company which built the solar scheme, will receive a government subsidy for solar power, the Feed-in-Tariff. In return, Bristol Water will receive zero-carbon energy from the system for use at the treatment works.
Bristol Water's Environment Manager Patric Bulmer said the new system was good for both the business and the environment.