Solar panels have been fitted to the roof of the Exeter-based Mount Pleasant Health Centre in an effort to reduce high energy bills.
A 10kW solar PV system has been installed, which is being used to provide power for the centre’s lighting, IT infrastructure and specialist equipment such as ECG machines. As the centre uses its electricity throughout the day, when the sun is shining, it uses the majority of the energy that the system generates, rather than having to export it back to the grid.
In addition to the environmental benefit of opting for solar, there is also a financial reward for taking the leap. The installation will generate enough solar energy each year to power the equivalent of five homes. With a payback period of just seven years, the investment offers a substantial return.
The panels were installed by SunGift Solar. Spokesman Joe Perry said: "Rising numbers of health centres are looking to Solar PV to reduce their overheads and bring in additional income. We’re seeing systems that are achieving a 20% return on investment, which means systems are paid off in as little as five years and the additional income can be used to help with practices’ general running costs.”
