News: Magna plans UK's largest solar roof

Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham has had plans approved for what is thought to be the largest solar photovoltaic roof in the UK.

Magna is the UK's first science adventure centre and is set in the former Templeborough steelworks. The plans will see panels installed on the 700m long south facing roofs in a project led by Rotherham-based WS Systems.

The panels will provide sustainable energy for the building, the attraction, and possibly more.

An exhibit including a working solar installation, with a real time display of the electricity generated and carbon savings, will be made as part of a larger sustainable energy themed exhibit.


WS Systems are also working on a similar scheme at Hillsborough Stadium, the home of Sheffield Wednesday Football Club. WS Systems rents land and roof space on which they install and maintain photovoltaic systems to generate electricity. Then they pay an index linked rent or provide free electricity to the occupants.

Rotherham's largest and most innovative solar power generation system went live earlier this year at Ron Hull Jnr Ltd's skip hire, recycling, ferrous and non-ferrous site on the Barbot Hall Industrial Estate.

Magna website
WS Systems website

Images: Magna / WS Systems