The panels are situated on every elevation of the main building at the company's depot, generating enough power to run a substantial portion of the site, including the company’s timber mill.
As part of its sustainability strategy, Beesley & Fildes has increased its investment in renewable energy, installing 600 solar panels at its Widnes depot.
The family-owned independent builders’ merchant turned to Warrington-based TB Electrics to design and install the solution. By significantly reducing Beesley & Fildes reliance on fossil fuels, the solar panels are expected to save 49 tonnes of CO2 every year; the equivalent to 9,378 trees and more than 1,000 long-haul flights.
With a peak power of 252 kilowatts, the solar array has generated 71,731 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity within just seven weeks of being installed. By the end of the year, the total is expected to reach 195,420 kWh and reduce the company’s CO2 emissions by 39%.
James Beesley, Commercial Director, said: “As the effects of climate change intensify, we all have a responsibility to make positive changes that can help protect the environment. Our priority is to reduce our carbon footprint with a focus on various factors ranging from how we source our timber through to energy use across the business.
“We chose to partner with TB Electrics as it is local, family business that share our values and have a wealth of experience in the solar sector. The team worked in partnership with us to deliver a highly effective solution. Within just a few weeks, the impact is clear. Around 95% of the electricity generated is being used to power the mill, helping us to significantly cut emissions and enhance our green credentials.”
Louise Bennett, Director at TB Electrics added: “We visited the Widnes site to establish the most effective design considering various elements such as the roof structure, electricity usage requirements, access, and existing electrical connections. This saw us install the solution onto the main building as its size, elevations and existing electrical infrastructure would maximise the amount of power generated.
“The figures so far are impressive and demonstrate how businesses like Beesley & Fildes can quickly and effectively reduce their carbon footprint.”
Beesley & Fildes solar panels investment adds to several sustainability initiatives deployed by the merchant in recent years. In 2017, the company built a £500,000 biomass plant at its Widnes branch to recycle more timber and generate renewable energy. Staff wear branded uniforms made from recycled materials and more environmentally-friendly trucks now form part of the fleet, reducing emissions and air pollution.
