Sun to rise on new solar power venture

SOLAR energy is coming to Oldham through Vertical Access Ltd, a business set up 22 years ago by Everest climber Paul Braithwaite, from Delph.

VA Solar Solutions is a division of Vertical Access, which used to be based above the outdoor sports shop at Rhodes Bank but which moved to purpose-built premises in Mossley three years ago.

Civil engineer Andy Shortt, from Honley, who has been with the business for 17 years, is the director in charge of the new venture.

He said: “New government feed-in tariffs are a great incentive for people to have solar systems fitted. An investment today means a profitable future.”

Solar systems can be fitted to domestic or industrial premises and, providing guidelines are met, planning permission is not required.

“People will receive a payment from the government of 41.3p for each Kw of solar power generated (reducing to 37.8p for installations which go on stream after March 31, 2012) — a payment that is guaranteed for 25 years, is tax free and index linked,” added Mr Shortt, who is currently overseeing the final stages of VA Solar Solutions becoming accredited for installations.

This requires extensive staff training plus investment in equipment and the accreditation process.

Panels have been fitted to the roof space of Vertical Access’s two-storey premises in the Warmco Industry Park, off Manchester Road, Mossley, by the high-access team employed by the specialist business.

The industrial, rope-access company, of which Paul Bingham, from Grasscroft, is the third director, is one of the leading companies in the country in its field, working for Network Rail, Magnox Generation, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, BT and Manchester United.

Work includes inspections of nuclear power station facilities, geotechnical work on the railways and large banner installations at football stadia.

Mr Shortt said: “Installing solar panels is a safeguard against a rise in electricity prices and helps the country reduce its carbon footprint.”