Case Study: BRF Örnen Solar Energy
Name of organisation: HSB - The Swedish Cooperative Housing Association
Stage of development: in progress
Year of finalization: 2011
Type of project: other type
Scale: group of buildings
Street: Kungsvägen 123
Postcode: 861 35
City: Timrå
Region/ County:
Country: Sweden
Last Update: 10.11.2011
Short Description
Key Elements
Solar Thermal
HSB brf Örnen invest in solar energy in three phases.
In the first phase completed in 2009 280 m2 of panels was installed to produce warm water which will be distributed to the district heating net. The tenant owner association can thereby receive a reduction on their district heating cost equivalent to the delivery of warm water to the district heating net. There is also a possibility to install accumulation tanks if the tenant owner association choices to use the warm water in its internal heating net.
I phase two and three solar cells have been installed. See more information in the section on solar photovoltaic.
Solar Photovoltaic
A total of about 400 m2 solar photovoltaic are installed in spring 2011. If there is an clear day these solar photovoltaic provide enough electricity to power elevators, ventilation fans and lighting in public spaces.
Electricity Saving Products
The tenant owner association have installed LED lighting on trial in one of its stairwells. The former light armatures are 21 years of age and the installed effect are 72W/armature. With the new armatures the installed effect will go down to 18W/armature. The tenant owners association has 600 armatures which are in need of upgrading within a period of 2-3 years’ time. A test is also underway for the external lighting armatures.
Work with Residents
It is possible for residents to follow the energy production in real-time at the website of the tenant owners association. A demonstration facility is also under build up. Here other tenant owners associations as well as local/national authorities, businesses and private individuals can be informed and inspired by the project.
There is also advice on how to save energy and water in resident’s daily life posted on webpage of the tenant owners association.
Main Results
The installation is feeding warm water to the district heating net. The tenant owners association have received price for best project in solar energy in Sweden during 2010.
Lessons learned
It is possible to install and use solar energy in northern Sweden and feed warm water to the district heating net, in dialogue with the local district heating company. A determined board can make solar energy possible.