Solar power slashes energy costs for ISA-UK member William Smith

As part of William Smith’s ongoing commitment to energy efficiency and cost savings, the recent installation of solar panels at its Barnard Castle manufacturing site, and at its distribution warehouse at Stainton Grove, will see an estimated saving in electricity costs of around 54 per cent a year.

“Energy Gain, of Ashton-under-Lyne, which installed the panels, looks to make installations as efficient as possible for individual businesses,” explains William Smith General Manager, Rob Smith. “The system was built, therefore, around covering 100 per cent of our electricity in the peak sunshine months (aiming to send as little as possible back into the grid, as payback is minimal).”

“So, for example, in January the panels will cover 10 per cent of our costs, and in July they’ll cover 109 per cent, with a sliding scale in between,” continues Smith.

“We anticipate payback in around four-and-a-half to five years; and it will also help to reduce our carbon footprint,” Smith concludes.

This project is the first of a number of initiatives the company is taking aimed at increasing efficiencies, reducing costs, and creating further improvements in business performance.