PV Opportunities
North East England is committed at a strategic level to the development of the photovoltaics industry and market both in the region and beyond. Major opportunities exist for companies wishing to invest in a region that has already made progress to develop and grow existing capabilities. This section outlines the opportunities and provides contact information for organisations and individuals interested in working with partners in the North East in the PV sector.
The regional development agency, One NorthEast, is promoting the development of PV capability as part of a larger strategy to build on the region’s strengths in the renewable energy sector. One NorthEast can provide support and advice to industry. For further information about the opportunities for support for PV related activities from One NorthEast, please contact the Business Team at One North East, Stella House, Goldcrest Way, Newburn Riverside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 8NY, tel: +44 (0)191 229 6200, Fax: +44 (0) 191 229 6201, Email: strategicinvestment@onenortheast.co.uk
The North East has a long history of academic development of photovoltaics at two of its regional universities. Within the Durham Centre for Renewable Energy at Durham University , there is specialist expertise in photovoltaic materials and devices. Durham University develops thin film solar cell materials, and has leading expertise in materials crystal growt
h and in device characterisation. The Northumbria Photovoltaics Applications Centre at Northumbria University works in a wide range of topics in photovoltaics, including thin film cell development, building integration of PV systems and environmental studies. Also situated at Northumbria University is the Advanced Materials Research Institute, which has national and international status its research and consultation in Materials Science.
For further information, please contact Prof. Ken Durose at Durham University or Prof. Nicola Pearsall at Northumbria University.
Assistance with the development of solar cells and products can be obtained from the PV Technology Centre at NaREC in Blyth. Regional companies can also offer expertise throughout the supply chain from design to installation. For further information please contact Dr Tim Bruton at NaREC, tim.bruton@narec.co.uk
The region has several large building integrated systems, including the PV façades at Northumbria University and the Doxford Solar Building and the roof array on the Devonshire Building at Newcastle Universty, together with a range of smaller systems. For a complete list of PV installations in North East England go to the PV Installations page.
The North East is served by excellent sea, air, rail and road links. Five major port facilities, road and high speed rail networks and the two International Airports provide access to the rest of the UK and beyond.
