Solmatix has completed a 72.75kWp rooftop solar PV installation at Victoria Square in Belfast, expected to produce more than 51,000kWh of renewable electricity a year (approximately 51,071kWh).

The power will support the shopping and leisure destination's common services and cut its reliance on grid electricity.

The system features 150 high-performance 485W solar panels and forms phase one of a multi-year plan by the landlord to expand renewable energy and enhance the centre's sustainability credentials.

Niki Alderdice, Director and Head of Project and Building Consultancy in Belfast at Lambert Smith Hampton, said: "This represents a significant investment in the future of Victoria Square and an important first step in the landlord's longer-term plans for carbon reduction at the centre.

"Completing a project of this nature within a busy city centre location required detailed planning, strong communication and careful coordination across several organisations. Solmatix managed that process professionally and worked closely with all parties to deliver the installation safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption."

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Delivering a commercial solar project in the heart of Belfast presented complex logistical requirements. Solmatix managed the programme end-to-end, from initial system design and the grid application through to installation, testing and commissioning.

The company secured approvals and permits, implemented traffic management and arranged temporary road restrictions to lift panels and equipment onto the roof from Chichester Street.

Lifting and installation activities were scheduled during the early hours and outside Victoria Square's principal trading periods to ensure safety and minimise disruption for retailers, visitors, neighbouring businesses, deliveries and city-centre traffic.

The work involved close coordination between Solmatix, Lambert Smith Hampton property management, the Victoria Square management team, NIE Networks, structural engineers, specialist contractors and the relevant authorities.

Neville Bell, Managing Director of Solmatix, said: "Victoria Square is one of Belfast's most recognisable and operationally complex commercial destinations, so delivering this project required much more than the installation of solar panels.

"Our team managed every stage of the process, from system design and the grid application to permits, road restrictions, crane operations and an early-hours installation programme. That planning and coordination allowed us to complete the work safely and seamlessly, with minimal impact on the centre, its retailers or the surrounding city.

"The project demonstrates Solmatix's ability to deliver technically and logistically demanding renewable energy installations in live commercial environments. We are proud to support this important investment by Victoria Square and to help one of Belfast's best-known destinations generate more of its electricity from a clean, renewable source."

The installation uses Solis hybrid inverter technology and an online monitoring portal to track performance and renewable output over time, and it has been designed with capacity for potential future expansion.