Solmatix has completed a significant renewable energy project with the installation of a new rooftop solar PV system delivered at Victoria Square.
The 72.75kWp system comprises 150 high-performance 485W solar panels installed on the roof of the Belfast city centre shopping and leisure destination. It is expected to generate approximately 51,071kWh of renewable electricity annually, helping to power Victoria Square’s common services and reduce the centre’s reliance on electricity from the grid.
Representing phase 1 of a multi-year plan from the landlord and its longer-term approach to renewable energy and improving the sustainability of the landmark retail destination.
Solmatix
Niki Alderdice, Director and Head of Project and Building Consultancy in Belfast at Lambert Smith Hampton, said: “This represents a significant investment in the future of Victoria Square and an important first step in the landlord’s longer-term plans for carbon reduction at the centre.
“Completing a project of this nature within a busy city centre location required detailed planning, strong communication and careful coordination across several organisations. Solmatix managed that process professionally and worked closely with all parties to deliver the installation safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption.”
Delivering a commercial solar installation in the heart of Belfast presented a complex logistical challenge. Solmatix managed the project from initial system design and grid application through to installation, testing and commissioning.
Solmatix coordinated the necessary approvals, permits, traffic management arrangements and temporary road restrictions required to lift the panels and installation equipment onto the roof from Chichester Street.
The lifting operation and associated installation activity were carefully scheduled during the early hours and outside Victoria Square’s principal trading periods. This allowed the project to progress safely while minimising disruption to retailers, visitors, neighbouring businesses, deliveries and traffic in the surrounding city centre.
The work also required close coordination between Solmatix, Lambert Smith Hampton property management, Victoria Square management team, NIE Networks, structural engineers, specialist contractors and the relevant authorities.
Neville Bell, Managing Director of Solmatix, said: “Victoria Square is one of Belfast’s most recognisable and operationally complex commercial destinations, so delivering this project required much more than the installation of solar panels.
“Our team managed every stage of the process, from system design and the grid application to permits, road restrictions, crane operations and an early-hours installation programme. That planning and coordination allowed us to complete the work safely and seamlessly, with minimal impact on the centre, its retailers or the surrounding city.
“The project demonstrates Solmatix’s ability to deliver technically and logistically demanding renewable energy installations in live commercial environments. We are proud to support this important investment by Victoria Square and to help one of Belfast’s best-known destinations generate more of its electricity from a clean, renewable source.”
The system incorporates Solis hybrid inverter technology and an online monitoring portal, enabling its performance and renewable energy output to be monitored over time. The design also retains scope to support potential future expansion of solar generation at the site.
Established in 2008, Solmatix designs, installs and maintains commercial and residential renewable energy systems across the UK and Ireland. The company has completed more than 750 installations in the last 3 years alone, representing approximately 39MW of renewable energy capacity.
