NEFIN appointed by Cyberport to carry out solar power project

Light-weight panel system provides facility owners with safe options towards carbon neutrality

HONG KONG SAR – Media
OutReach – 5 June 2021 – The leading solar photovoltaic (PV)
developer and investor in carbon neutrality solutions, NEFIN Group, was appointed by
Hong Kong Cyberport (Cyberport) to trailblaze solar PV solutions for its
existing facilities. The revolutionary solar panel system overcomes space and
loading constraints of most buildings while safeguarding building structure.

The project adopts a dual-purpose solar panel
system comprising both traditional rigid solar panels and flexible solar panels
catered to fit different rooftop loading capacity.

The
traditional way of setting up rigid solar panels makes use of long plinths or
bricks to support the panels on rooftops. However this “counter weight”
installation method does not suit all existing buildings. While this method
complies with international and local codes and regulations, the weight of the system
may exceed the loading limit of a rooftop. The installation also involves direct
bolting to the floor to safely secure the panels, which may damage the surface
and the water proofing layer of rooftops.

This
project has adopted an innovative approach to installation. By directly fixing
the flexible PV panels to the roof surface, wind-load and dead-load are
significantly reduced, allowing for the full utilisation of the available
structural loading of the roof and hence, maximize the overall solar plant
capacity. This is a convenient and innovative alternative for corporations seeking
renewable energy solutions and carbon neutrality.

Each
of the low reflectance PV panels utilised in the Cyberport’s solar power system
carries multiple sensors that measure solar radiance and environment changes. These
sensors collect scientific data to measure system performance which can be further
utilised to develop an advanced monitoring system, facilitating the development
of environmental technology and renewable energy in Hong Kong.

Chief
Executive Officer of NEFIN Group, Mr Glenn Lim, commented, “This particular
type of solar PV system provides a convenient carbon neutrality solution for facility
owners who were once hindered by space constraint. It is particularly suitable
for corporations that are focussed on corporate social responsibilities and ESG
commitment.”

Covering two
upper roofs and an accessible roof of Cyberport 4, the solar power system is
expected to generate power of 66,000 kWh each year, equivalent to offsetting 46,860
kg of CO2 emission, or driving an electric vehicle for 365,000 km.