date: 13/07/2006

Retailers see the light!

As energy prices continue to rise, the government is facing more pressure than ever to look at alternative renewable sources for the future. Whilst nuclear fuel has been making the headlines, other 'green' energy such as wind, water and solar are all viable alternatives.

Leading innovative businesses in the UK are now seriously considering ways to reduce their carbon emissions and costs. In other European countries the use of solar power to create power has been fully endorsed by individuals and businesses alike and this trend looks set to follow in the UK as we reach a potential energy crisis.

Batchelor Electrical Ltd are the recognised electrical installers of the ICB-alwitra solar PV array roofing system which incorporates both a flexible robust roofing membrane and solar panels in one. The patented product allows retail companies and businesses alike to install this roofing on new builds or when undergoing a roofing refit to get additional benefit and payback from the initial spend.

In a report published today in Retail Week, conducted by ICM research of over 1,000 adults, over 67% felt that big retail chains were "not doing enough to reduce the impact that they have on the environment", whilst over 61% of respondents would be "willing to pay a little more for environmentally friendly products and services."

Retailers and supermarkets are now seriously considering the positive cost-reduction benefits solar systems can bring to their operating costs each year as well as the positive 'green' message it sends to the general public when they visit the store.

Grants are available up to 50%* of the installation cost via the DTI Energy Trust, all of which means payback times are significantly reduced. In addition, surplus energy produced can be sold back to the National Grid at an agreed rate.

For further information on the ICB-alwitra solar PV array systems click here.