Bespoke solar canopy supports leisure centre running

SIG Building Solutions has extended its working relationship with Exeter-based SunGift Solar through the supply of bespoke solar canopy support structures to carry a total of 287 photo-voltaic panels in Tiverton, Devon.  

The work at the Exe Valley Leisure Centre was carried out by SunGift’s own engineers, with the design of the SIG Building Solution’s structures enabling the panels to be installed as a continuous array from beneath, with no separate roof sheeting required. SunGift’s 287 solar panels are spread across three canopies, sheltering 41 car parking spaces, as well as forming a 35 panel array on the main building. The renewable energy generated, meanwhile, meets an impressive 70% of the leisure centre’s annual demands.  

Leisure centres with swimming pools, such as Exe Valley’s six-lane plus learner facility, have been particularly hard hit by the recent surge in energy prices. The 122kWp of clean electricity generated will help keep down running costs for many years to come, while the annual saving in CO2 emissions is estimated at 57.34 tonnes.  

Guy Chilvers, SIG Building Solution’s National Sales Manager for Solar Structures, says: “It’s important for clients to engage with us as early as possible so they can gain from our expert team’s knowledge – over two decades of experience in designing solar car parking structures – and save time and money. For this project, we were able to design and supply a unique guttering system, providing efficient drainage set within the solar structure. 

“We offer robust technical support both in-house and through our supply partners, while design collaboration is vital. We work with the client’s civil contractors and electrical specialists to make sure the project objectives are met. Then there is reliability of delivery – deriving from the fact we manufacture in the UK in our own factories, which means we can offer phased deliveries, on time, and in close coordination with the client’s installers. On the Exe Valley Leisure Centre project, the SunGift Solar installation team proved to be perfectionists, which resulted in an exemplary product.” 

Long-term decarbonisation 

The scheme is part of Mid Devon District Council's multi-million pound long-term decarbonisation strategy. This has already seen air and ground source heat pumps installed at the Exe Valley and Lords Meadow leisure centres in 2022 as the authority moves away from high cost fossil fuels.  

Councillor David Wulff, Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure at Mid Devon District Council, says: “We are proud to further decarbonise our facilities through this government funding – a series of investments into our leisure centres has allowed us to progress towards our climate ambition of becoming net-zero by 2030 and future-proof our leisure services.” 

SunGift Solar’s Commercial Director, Damien Connery, says: "Choosing SIG Building Solutions as our specialist supplier for canopy structures was driven by their exceptional reputation for quality and reliability. Their client service and manufacturing standards have consistently exceeded our expectations, ensuring the success of our solar carport projects, and we look forward to continuing to use them in the future.”  

The company’s Business Development Manager, Gareth Walton, adds: “SunGift Solar selected SIG Building Solutions as the PV carport frame provider for this project due to their quality, speed of delivery and the frames being UK designed and manufactured, as well as their competitive pricing."  

As well as the declined single row structures similar to the ones installed at Exe Valley, SIG Building Solutions also produces inclined variants, as well as Double Mono structures able to support up to five solar panels in portrait format, or Double Gull Wing structures to carry half a dozen panels, again in portrait format, to deliver the highest output in the range.  

The structures are fabricated in Z600 galvanised steel for the posts and rafters to optimise the lifespan of the structure. They are also lightweight compared to other solutions, which can reduce foundation costs. The ability to install the panels from below using low-rise scissor lifts also reduces installation times and risks to operatives from working at height.  

www.sigbuildingsolutions.co.uk/solar-structures