A former nightclub transformed into business units is beating the energy crisis with a new solar installation that will save them thousands of pounds.
Ruthin-based Turner Bros diversified from a construction company by turning its headquarters in Ruthin’s old Venue club, into a hub for small businesses.
The site on the town’s Hen Lon Parcwr trading estate already has had two 10-kilowatt systems installed by Rawson EV Power of Wrexham.
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With current annual savings at £2,500 but certain to rise as gas and electricity prices rocket, the scheme, which is guaranteed for 25 years, could pay for itself in as little as three years.
Gregg White, Rawson EV technical manager, said: “We’ve installed one 10-kilowatt array on Birch House and another on a row of units rented by different businesses.
“The power is generated by 50 405-watt solar panels and the benefit comes from a combination of not having to buy the energy while being paid for any excess energy that is exported to the grid.
“The panels are serving companies ranging from The Sorbus Tree, a high-quality caterer, to a joiner’s workshop but with the roof space that is here there is always the potential to increase the amount of solar.
“In all the system should produce about 9,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a year which is enough to power three homes with 90 per cent of that used by the businesses here and 10 per cent fed into the grid.
“The initial system we have installed is going to save thousands of pounds a year and could pay for itself in just a few years.
Gareth Turner said: “It has been something I have thought about for a while but I wasn’t convinced until now - I’ve literally seen the light.
“The increase in the cost of power this year, especially for a business which isn’t protected by the price cap, made me take the plunge and I’m already seeing a saving.
“Electricity and gas prices have rocketed and I have to pass them on to my 16 tenants so when I saw the projections from Gregg that convinced me. Everyone is looking for a cost-saving and this is working for us because it’s only going to get worse in future and it’s making us cleaner and greener as well.”
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