Smart power sharing makes solar energy possible for the housing cooperative.
Fredheim Housing Cooperative has taken a major step into the green transition with its newly installed solar power system. The project, led by Board Chair Jan Gunnar Bøe and Operations Manager Magne Stalheim, marks a milestone for the cooperative and serves as a model for similar projects in the region.
Technical specifications
The system has an installed capacity of 128.92 kWp and is estimated to produce as much as 90,365 kWh annually. A total of 293 solar panels have been installed, each with a capacity of 440 Wp.
To ensure the project met all regulatory requirements, applications were submitted to Voss Municipality, Bane NOR (due to proximity to the railway), and Vestland County (due to proximity to the county road).
Eco-friendly and robust mounting
The installation primarily utilizes a fixed east-west mounting system from LOBAS, made using recycled aluminum from Hydro. This reduces the project's total environmental footprint.
On the conservatory roof, the panels are attached directly to the standing-seam roofing and mounted following the roof's natural slope, providing an optimal and durable solution.
Technical implementation
Vangen Elektriske served as the subcontractor for the AC electrical work. The inverter is installed in the ventilation room at the top of the building, with the AC cable routed discreetly down the former rubbish chute to the building's main switchboard in the basement.
Sharing electricity for the common good
The solar power system primarily supplies the housing cooperative’s communal facilities, including ventilation, lighting, and heating. Surplus energy that is not consumed is distributed among the residents through an electricity-sharing scheme. This means that each of the 79 residents receives an equal share of the energy credited to their electricity account.
Integration with existing systems
The solar panels also supplement the geothermal heat produced by the housing cooperative's existing brine-to-water heat pump. This contributes to increased energy efficiency and reduced electricity costs.
A partnership that sets the standard
The project has been characterized by close and effective collaboration between the housing cooperative and the suppliers. "It has been a pleasure working with a forward-looking and solution-oriented housing cooperative like Fredheim," says the project manager.