The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has invested £120,000 to install 362 solar panels on the roof of its National Training Centre in Darlington.
The commercial arrays can generate up to 99,196kWh per year, or 85% of the total power required by the not-for-profit trade organisation.
Prior to the installation of the third array, Northern Powergrid upgraded the connection capacity to allow TICA to transfer surplus electricity to the national grid.
Marion Marsland, chief executive of TICA, said: “Our extensive roof area has proved to be a real asset by allowing us to tap into this free and infinite energy source.
“The amount of power generated is weather dependent and will vary month to month, but given our site is 95% electric powered, we expect it to quickly repay our investment by reducing energy bills by tens of thousands of pounds per year.
“TICA’s decision to adopt solar energy resonates with the adoption of sustainable practices across the industry, and we see considerable demand to both fit and retrofit insulation to pipework, ducting, and vessels to improve sustainability and cut costs.
“By investing in renewable energy, TICA aims to reduce its carbon footprint and set an example to both its members and the wider construction industry.”
