A HAMPSHIRE company has installed more than 900 solar panels in a bid to be sustainable.

Hildon Natural Mineral Water based just outside of Romsey has installed the solar panels on its roof which will harness enough energy to power 54 four bedroom hones.

This will cut the company’s footprint by 50,000kg a year.

Executive director Debbie Jones said: “Hildon is very conscious of its commitment to the environment.

“Our business is based in a beautiful 180 acre countryside setting and we believe we have a responsibility to protect that same environment both now and for the future.

“With strong environmental values embedded in our DNA, installing solar panels is a natural progression for Hildon because it complements our sustainability strategy by reducing our carbon footprint and resource use.”

The scheme which was developed by Kent based Edward energy and delivered by Hemel-Hempstead’s Beba Energy UK Ltd will deliver enough energy to reduce the company’s annual electricity demand by 27 per cent and will cut bills by a quarter.

The panels will generate more than 225,000kW hours of electricity a year.

Debbie added: “Our environmental strategy contains a commitment to reducing the consumption of energy on site and this is a big step in that direction.”

Shaun Beattie from Edward Energy added: “Despite changes in government subsidy, the scheme will still pay for itself in less than eight years, and since it is guaranteed to perform for at least 25, that means 17 years of free, naturally generated, low carbon electricity.

“Installing solar is now less about the subsidy and more about energy security, price stability and sustainability. Companies such as Hildon believe in protecting the environment and are switching to solar to highlight their commitment to lowering their carbon footprint as well as reducing their long-term costs.”

He went on: “Working with Hildon was a delight.

“The company was fully engaged throughout the process and it was clear that this wasn’t something they thought they had to do but something that they really believed to be vital to the future sustainability of their business and the environment.”

A detailed display will be mounted in the reception area of the company showing staff and visitors exactly what difference the solar PV panels are making, hour by hour.

Shaun added: “It’s about changing behaviour.

“Installing solar is just the first step; it’s still vital to use the power it generates as efficiently as possible.”

CONTACT ME

t:023 8028 4472

e:georgia.jackson@

dailyecho.co.uk