Kitchen worktop company The Merchant House in Sandycroft, near Chester, is saving energy and reducing its electricity bills after installing solar panels on its factory roof.

Leading green energy specialist Renewable Solutions was selected to install the 40kW system at the business.

Charles Cogger, the owner of The Merchant House, says: "The system we have had installed will power the factory and the return payback on the investment is possible within just five years, which is fantastic!

"The return we will get over a period of 20 years is even better, far better than anything you can get elsewhere." He quotes 20 years because the Government has guaranteed those who install green energy generating systems such as solar panels an income from the Feed-In Tarrif for the next 20 years.

“We are producing beautiful Welsh limestone slabs and tiles, the stone for which is sourced locally. Together with this and recycling our own water, the new PV system reduces our impact on the environment.

“We are also very keen on supporting local businesses, so we were delighted to be able to work with Renewable Solutions.

“As far as we are concerned, the installation of the solar PV array makes total sense, both economically and environmentally.”

David Hunt, Head of Commercial at Wirral-based Renewable Solutions, said: “The Merchant House is a perfect client for us because the owner completely understood the significant financial savings that could be made alongside the reduction in energy usage.

“We are finding that more and more companies and organisations are looking to make a green energy strategy a vital part of their business and this process is made easier by the variety of commercial funding opportunities now available.”

Renewable Solutions has its head office in Bromborough, Merseyside, and employs more than 40 full-time staff. The company, founded in 2008, provides domestic and commercial customers with a comprehensive range of renewable energy solutions including wind turbines, solar photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems, heat pumps and biomass generators.

The company has recently carried out commercial renewable energy projects for clients in the hotel, leisure, agricultural, manufacturing and construction sectors.