A Welsh limestone and granite worktop producer has installed solar on its factory in Sandycroft to help control escalating energy bills.

The 40kWp solar array installed by local renewable installer, Renewable Solutions, sits on The Merchant House’s factory roof helping power the factory’s day-to-day operations.    

Charles Cogger, the owner of The Merchant House, said: “The system we have had installed will power the factory and the return payback on investment is possible within just five years which is fantastic. The return we will get over a period of 20 years is even better, far better than anything you can get elsewhere.

“We are producing beautiful Welsh limestone slabs and tiles, the stone for which is sourced locally.  Together with this and recycling our own water, the new PV system reduces our impact on the environment.

“We are also very keen on supporting local businesses so we were delighted to be able to work with Renewable Solutions.

“As far as we are concerned, the installation of the solar PV array makes total sense both economically and environmentally.”

David Hunt, head of commercial at Wirral-based Renewable Solutions, said: “The Merchant House is a perfect client for us because the owner completely understood the significant financial savings that could be made alongside the reduction in energy usage.

“We are finding that more and more companies and organisations are looking to make a green energy strategy a vital part of their business and this process is made easier by the variety of commercial funding opportunities now available.”