The owner of a busy business centre tackled the issue of rising utility bills by installing nearly 100 solar panels on its roof – and is now set to save £8000 a year.
Stewart Yardley, who runs the Atrium Business Centre in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, had seen his utility bills rise substantially after doubling occupancy at the 16,000ft business centre across the last 12 months.
And after he costed up various solutions, renewable energy consultancy firm Energy How advised him he could make substantial savings if he installed solar panels on the building’s roof, and the company was hired to carry out the work.
A total of 92 solar panels were installed as the work was completed in January, and Stewart is predicted to save £670 on the bills every month, and a total of more than £8000 a year.
Stewart said: “It’s a tough time for businesses out there, so this is a real boost.
“As it’s such a large building, the cost of utilities – gas, electric and water – is substantial. It’s by far our biggest overhead.
“All businesses are feeling it just now, so we had been considering installing solar panels, and when we were told we would be saving around £8000 a year, then it became a no brainer.
“The work’s been great, and we’re delighted with the outcome.”
The Atrium Business centre is a shared working area used by a range of businesses, including recruitment consultants, estate agents, a first aid training company and a water firm.
After becoming concerned at the cost of utilities in recent months, the firm successfully applied for a grant through North Lanarkshire Council’s Net Zero Business Challenge fund, which supports businesses to improve the sustainability of their operations.
Stewart got a series of quotes, including from Emanuel Howell, managing director of Glasgow based energy solutions firm Energy How, who told Stewart he could make significant savings by putting solar panels across the building’s roof.
The work was part funded by the business and the council’s grant, and Stewart believes the savings will be transformational for the business.
He said: “Any impact we could make on those savings is huge. Businesses need to have a constant focus on utilities right now.
“We’re so grateful for North Lanarkshire Council’s support, as we wouldn’t have been able to do it without their grant funding.
“This extra money will be transformational for the business centre. A large chunk of the savings will be invested back in to make improvements across the centre.”
Emanuel Howell, managing director of Energy How, said: “Rising energy costs are a real concern for so many businesses and homeowners right now, and we’re getting more and more enquiries related to the installation of solar panels.
“We explain to customers there are so many different options out there, and it’s really about understanding what’s driving your energy use, and finding the best solution to reduce your costs and consumption.
“We’re really proud to hear how transformational these savings will be for Stewart and his business.”
