How South West businesses are making money from an overhead

It may seem like a contradiction in terms, but - while most organisations' energy bills are continually rising - increasing numbers of South West businesses are actually making money from theirs.
  

How are they doing this?

They are having solar PV panels installed on their redundant roofs to not only generate energy for their everyday business needs, but also to provide additional income through the renewable energy Feed-in Tariff.

Large organisations across the South West such as the Met Office, Gregory Distribution and Numatic (manufacturer of Henry vacuum cleaners) have recently had large systems placed on their roofs, with returns on investment of around 20 per cent per annum. And next month the company that installed these panels - south-west-based SunGift Solar - is running an event with Michelmores solicitors and Francis Clarke accountants to show other businesses how they can benefit too.

Held on 9 July at the Bristol MShed, from 17.30-19:30, the event will give businesses a clear understanding of the positive effects that a PV system can have on their finances and explain precisely how to set up and manage a project. It's also an opportunity to ask questions to Francis Clarke's experts about the financial benefits, quiz Michelmores solicitors on the planning and legal side, and probe SunGift experts about the technical aspects.

The event is open to any business in The South West that wishes to make the most of the carbon-saving money-making opportunity.

"Most companies in the Westcountry have been experiencing increased energy costs lately," said SunGift Energy's Gareth Walton, "so a commercial solar PV system is an excellent way to take control and reduce these costs considerably.

"Typical systems for businesses with available roof space pay for themselves within around five years, leaving many more years of free, sustainable energy to look forward to."

Organisations that would like to know more or sign up should visithttp://www.michelmores.com/solar-pv-for-businesses-event.htm.

PHOTO Captions:
The solar PV array at the Met Office, installed by SunGift Solar, which is earning a 20 per cent return per annum on their initial investment