Dorset factory generates half its power from sunshine

A Dorset factory is featured in a new campaign after making a dramatic difference to its carbon footprint – and its costs – by installing solar panels on its roof.

Manufacturing business bigHead, in Verwood, now sources around half its power from the sun and has slashed its energy bills in the process. The work was carried out by renewable energy company Good Energy, which has produced a short film on the project as part of a wider campaign encouraging firms to invest in a cleaner and greener future.

Since the 130 solar panels were installed last summer, bigHead has already generated more than 20MWh - and saved more than £4,000 from its electricity bills in just the first six months.

bigHead, on the Ebblake Industrial Estate, helps designers and engineers to fasten composite materials across a wide range of industries.

Managing director Matt Stevens said: “I’m really worried about the climate crisis. We can’t ignore it, so we wanted to do something which would reduce our environmental impact.

“Solar energy is one of the cleanest and simplest solutions The installation process was straightforward, and we started seeing the benefits almost immediately.

“It’s good for business and it’s good for the planet - I can’t think of a reason not to do it.”

Good Energy has been supplying renewable electricity for almost 25 years and supports more than 180,000 homes and businesses that generate their own power.

Chief executive Nigel Pocklington said: “The film is the latest in a series to promote how everyone can play their part in transitioning to a more sustainable future.

“We’re sharing stories from across our UK network of more than 2,000 independent generators – including wind farms, solar farms and hydroelectric projects – as well as hearing from people who’ve had solar panels and heat pumps installed for their homes and businesses.

"They’re all green heroes who are changing the world for the better.”

www.goodenergy.co.uk