Vital Energi has successfully completed a flagship roof-mounted solar project at Glasgow’s historic Kelvin Hall.
The project for Glasgow City Council, featuring more than 1,000 solar panels and worth approximately £1.5 million. It aims to demonstrate Vital Energi’s growing presence in Scotland’s renewable energy sector, and “its capability to deliver complex technical solutions in challenging built environments”, the firm said.
It forms a key part of Glasgow City Council’s climate action strategy, which is designed to reduce carbon emissions, supply approximately 20% of the building’s annual electricity needs, and generate £182,000 in electricity savings each year.
The installation is accompanied by seven smaller solar installations across Glasgow schools and daycare centres, which collective supporting the city’s journey toward net zero emissions.
The project included custom-designed lifting equipment for safely transporting panels to the roof and abseil-style systems that allowed technicians to install panels on the sloped surfaces. These solutions were “essential” to overcoming the strict limitations in retrofitting modern renewable technology to a building constructed in 1927.
It has also delivered community benefits, including educational initiatives and employment opportunities. Glasgow-based contractor Versatile was engaged for the installation, supporting jobs in the city’s East End. In addition, classroom presentations on climate action for local schools were undertaken through its Climate Education Programme. A scheme also provided raised plant beds, soil and plants for community gardens at daycare centres involved in the wider scheme.
The project adds to the 46 renewable energy installation projects that Vital Energi has delivered to-date across Scotland, which include recent solar projects for NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Tayside. It was 50% funded by Salix Finance, with Glasgow City Council providing the remaining investment.
Scott Lutton, Director at Vital Energi Scotland, said:
“Working on Kelvin Hall’s protected Category B listed structure presented unique engineering challenges. Our team developed custom mounting solutions for the distinctive barrel-shaped roof while preserving the building’s historic character. This required specialised safety systems for installers working at height and strategic relocation of inverters to optimise system performance.
“We considered more than just the technical aspects of the project—we actively engaged with the community to ensure the voices of those affected by potential disruptions were heard and respected.”
Image courtesy of Vitali Energy
