BODENHAM Arboretum in Wolverley is bolstering its energy efficiency and reducing its carbon footprint by installing solar panels.
The project should be completed in the autumn and reaffirms the venue’s commitment to adopting renewable energy.
The system Bodenham Arboretum is using has been designed and is being installed by Shrewsbury-based ESP energy and will generate 162 kilowatts per hour and 135,000 kilowatts annually.
The 292 solar panels will be installed on the barn roofs, minimising the visual impact on the surroundings. `
James Binnian, owner of Bodenham Arboretum, said: “We have been looking at improving the sustainability of our operations whilst reducing the impact on the environment for some time.
“Running a busy visitor centre, 100 seat restaurant and kitchen, with ever increasing electricity costs, we must make sure energy is used efficiently – in peak periods of electricity use, it is not unusual for our monthly electricity bill to hit £5,500.
“Not only do solar panels offer fantastic financial benefits, they also reduce our reliance on the grid which relies heavily on fossil fuels to generate energy, so the environmental benefits are just as good.”
The team had to request permission from the Government’s National Heritage Department which had awarded the Arboretum ‘Heritage’ status in 1995.
James added: “Only when we had received their approval were we able to progress.”
According to ESP Energy, Bodenham’s system will reduce their CO2 emissions by 34 tonnes per year.
Over its lifetime – 25 years – it is also predicting the energy saved will be the equivalent of just over 1,000,000km of car travel or 718 long haul flights.
Alternatively, it will have had the same benefit of having planted just under 6,500 trees.
Ross Collison, director at ESP Energy, added: “We’re excited about the potential this installation holds for Bodenham Arboretum.
“The investment seems a natural progression for them.
“Furthermore, we have worked diligently to ensure our renewable energy installation blends seamlessly with the landscape.”
And, whilst the daylight hours will be shorter during autumn when the panels are installed, they will still prove a viable energy source.
