Solar Panels Introduced by St Andrews, ‘Scotland's Sunniest University’

The University of St Andrews, like many other universities across the country, is making great efforts to become more sustainable by becoming ‘net zero’ by 2035. The introduction of solar panels on top of university buildings is one of its most notable sustainable initiatives. 

St Andrews is one of the sunniest spots in Scotland with the residents enjoying 1540 hours of sunshine annually, compared to the 1458 hours our neighbours receive in Dundee according to Gazetteer for Scotland. In a press release, Quaestor and Factor of the University Derek Watson, said: “St Andrews is blessed with more hours of sunshine than almost any other town in the UK. It’s a great natural resource, and knowing what we know now about the scale of the climate crisis, it would be irresponsible not to consider how we can use solar power here and now.” 

The University is currently collaborating with renewable experts Vital Energi to assess the suitability of 65 buildings for the implementation of solar panels as stated by a University Press release from 17 September 2024. These buildings include student accommodations David Russell Apartments and Agnes Blackadder, which could become prime sites for the panels. Stephen Traynor, from Vital Energi, said in a University press release: “Rooftops are a great resource for any organisation looking to decarbonise, but lots of work has to go into checking if each location is viable. We now have a list of buildings which are suitable and are pleased to be helping the University with the planning process. This is a project which can have a significant positive impact on the University achieving their ambitious 2035 Net Zero targets.” 

This will be the second time the University has worked with Vital Energi. In 2015, they worked hand in hand towards creating a £25m biomass system and district heating network, delivering up to 6,000 tonnes of carbon reduction per year. The University still heats most of its buildings through this green energy plant, situated on the Eden Campus, 4 miles away from St Andrews, in Guardbridge. As of 2018, the Eden Campus has managed to reduce the University's carbon footprint by 20% through solar energy and biomass heat according to the sustainability section on the University website.

The implementation of solar panels on university buildings is estimated to save 200 tonnes of carbon per year and will ensure that the university will have energy security in the future. Solar panels on average have a lifespan between 25-30 years, testifying to the transforming way the university will source its energy for future students. Other established benefits of solar panels include the cancellation of noise pollution and low maintenance. However, the installation of solar panels is expensive, the average time it takes for energy savings to cover the installation costs is usually between six and ten years. 

Overall, the reception to the solar panels is positive. In a University press release the president of the St Andrews Students Association, Cam Brown said “The University’s ongoing investment in and expansion of renewable energy through the installation of solar panels across campus is a significant and greatly welcomed step toward achieving carbon neutrality. By continuing to adopt and advance renewable technologies, the University of St Andrews is making substantial progress in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and protecting our environment.”

He added: “This is not just talk, but action! Our solar revolution reinforces our reputation as a well-established and forward-thinking institution, inspiring hope for the future of our students, our community, and our planet.” 

According to a university spokesman: “The solar panel project is in the early stages of planning. Development rights are being sought from Fife Council before a full planning application is submitted. Following the standard 2-3 month determination period for the application, there will be a tender process for a main delivery contractor, as is the case for all such University projects. A full business case will be submitted to the University’s Planning and Resource Committee (PARC) when it meets in December, with a main contractor appointed following this meeting. Work is expected to progress on selected buildings yet to be decided between February and September next year.”

Photo from University of St Andrews website