Sunny outlook for firm as it goes solar

J D WILLIAMS’ money-saving roof array

Shaw-based JD Williams has installed a giant rooftop solar panel system to help slash its carbon emissions.

The 960-panel array now covers a large section of the roof at Shaw’s Briar Mill and will produce enough solar electricity to power 12 per cent of the building’s needs while cutting CO2 emissions by 109 tons a year.

Sam Leigh, the group’s facilities manager, said: “Cutting our carbon emissions means we’re reducing the environmental impact of the distribution centre and using solar electricity from the Oldham daylight to help power the centre.”

The total power generated in 12 months is 208,000 kWh - equivalent to boiling water in 1.9 million kettles, running 195,000 dishwasher cycles or powering 1.1 million fridges.