In a novel blending of listed architecture rescue and modern technology, Manchester's tallest building, the CIS Tower, is to be fitted with solar panels, converting it into Europe's highest solar-powered generator. Three sides of the building's service tower will be clad in photovoltaic panels capable of generating 180MW hours/year — enough to power 1,000 desktop PCs or make nine million cups of tea. Construction has started with a view to begin installing the panels by August, and the project should be completed in December. The 25-storey, Grade II listed building is over 40 years old and the service tower, which is clad in 14 million mosaic tiles, needs maintenance work to stop the tiles from becoming detached.
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