Modern North Light Construction

[renewablejohn]

I have planning permission to build a 25mtr x 15mtr x4.5 mtrs to eaves agricultural building but are still arguing with the council on what materials to use. Majority of farm buildings in the area are green tin sides green tin roof so that is what we applied for having been refused previously stables with wooden sides and fibre cement roof. Council rejected green tin building in favour of what was previously rejected. Now at a point of doing something radically different as a plain roof is a waste of space.

I have therefore come to the conclusion I want an eco friendly building provided with natural light and the ability to generate its own electric and heating and rain water capture. To this end a North Light (saw tooth) construction would seem to fit the bill with light panels on the North aspect and Solar panels on the South. Obviously the length of the of the south slope will be dictated by the length of the EV tube but what would be the optimum pitch bearing in mind we are in Lancashire. Should we use an average pitch and then pivot the panels once a month to keep at optimum pitch or hinge at the top and push the frames up like a deck chair.
As for the light panels glass would be the most efficient but having glasshouses I am not convinced on HSE grounds so what alternatives are available.

[rhys]

http://www.stoakes.co.uk/pages/rooflights/kalwall_nanogel_rooflights.htm
These are nanogel translucent sheets, very good U value but i'm sure far too expensive for an agricultural building.
Most often used is double skin glass fibre.
I take it that although you have planning permission there is a condition that materials have to be agreed?
Changing the shape of the roof will need a new application I would have thought?
I bet the planners would think a saw tooth roof "looks like a factory" whine, whine.
Now how about a green roof like the Adnams Brewery Distribution centre - interesting company Adnams - into all sorts of green tech, including I think bio digesters.
http://www.corusconstruction.com/file_source/StaticFiles/Construction/Panels_and_profiles/case_studies/Adnams%20Brewery%20CS.pdf

[renewablejohn]

Rhys

I like the nanogel units although they do look a bit expensive for an agri building. I will find out and report back. I presume the 1:32 is from horizontal not vertical.
Your right on planning materials and site levels still to be agreed. I will certainly not be putting in a new application unles we are certain it will go through as it has taken use 8 1/2 years to get this far and only won on appeal. Of course it will look like a Lancashire mill what else do you find in Lancashire although at the rate there pulling them down there will soon be very few of them left.
I like the Adnams design but it wont produce a pension for my retirement whereas 375 sq mtrs of solar just might especially if it is classed as tax free income.

[renewablejohn]

Anybody know what the price of a 375 sq mtr solar photovoltaic installation would cost for materials and how much electric it is likely to generate.  I was going to install a thermal evacuated tube system and claim ROC's but a newbie MCS installer wants a demo site for a "materials only cost" installation. Sounds to good to be true

[Ted]

Very rough ball-park figures:

45 kWp system (depends on actual size available matching suitable panel size)

- cost of parts only - £100-120k

- generating about 43 MWh annually at 31.4p = £13,500 income plus export value (3p upwards)

Check on state-aid position for farmers if you would use any power produced on farm - rather than export 100%.

[renewablejohn]

Ted

Thanks for that it confirms EV tubes will give a better return.