A LOCAL builders’ merchant has installed solar panels to its building rooftop to combat climbing energy costs and to support climate action, writes Ella Hamilton.

Bradfords Building Supplies in Alton Road Ross-on-Wye have partnered with solar experts GB NRG, a British owned business focusing on developing Great Britain’s eco-friendly options, to fit the rooftop solar photovoltaic systems at Ross, which now houses a 142-panel system, producing 59 kilowatts peak.

The family-owned business expects the solar panel system to pay for itself in four years and anticipates about 70 per cent of the energy generated to be used on site.

Giles Bradford, the company’s head of sustainability said that the move expresses their dedication to the growing movement to combat climate change and added: “We are proud to lead by example, demonstrating that renewable energy solutions are practical, economical, and vital for the future.”

“Sustainability is at the heart of our operation. By adopting solar energy, we’re reducing our carbon footprint and showcasing leadership in green initiatives.”

John Richards, sales manager at GB-NRG, said: “We’re thrilled to have partnered with Bradfords and helped them to achieve substantial savings on their energy bills and reinforce their commitment to clean energy.”

Following this project, the 250-year-old business aims to complete further solar installations at its other sites, adding to the now thousands of solar panels operating to the tailored needs of each site and producing one megawatt peak.

Data from a recent poll conducted by YouGov for Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, the countryside charity, showed that 82 percent of respondents support the installation of rooftop solar on commercial buildings.

Roger Mortlock, CPRE chief executive, said: ‘The overwhelming majority of people in this country back rooftop solar. It’s a common-sense and unobtrusive solution to our energy needs that helps make the best use of our finite amount of land.”