Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) on the roof generate electricity to supplement the energy used in the facility. There are 90pcs of 195W solar modules and 64pcs of 325W solar modules on the roof of the climate-controlled glasshouse and container laboratories respectively. With about 6 hours* of sunshine on an average day, the solar panels are able to produce green energy to offset 20 – 30% of the energy usage in the facility.
The water treatment system allows the facility to recycle spent nutrient solutions to offset water usage. Solutions pass through a sand filter (to remove suspended solid substances), an activated carbon filter (to remove organic compounds and inorganic contaminants such as free chlorine and odour), reverse osmosis (to filter out dissolved mineral), and Ultra Violet (UV) disinfection (to destroy the microorganisms). The water treatment system is able to recycle up to 80% of wastewater generated, depending on the feedwater quality.
*Note: Average sunshine in Singapore taken from https://www.statista.