Oldham mill transformed into solar station

AN Oldham fashion wholesaler has spent £400,000 converting the roof of its former cotton mill headquarters into a solar power station.

Baum Trading said the 610 solar PV panels it has installed will generate enough power to produce 123MWh of electricity a year.

This will not only provide enough power for the 200,000 sq ft building and its businesses, but also provide spare capacity to sell back to the National Grid.

The mill is owned by Nandas Varsani and David Weidenbaum, who wanted to utilise the roof for a solar panel array.

David’s father Peter Weidenbaum agreed to manage the project and turn the dream into reality.

In conjunction with installer Penrith-based Sundog Energy, the project developed into a vision to convert other businesses in the North West to solar power in an energy0saving mission that could see a significant number of Victorian textile mills adopting solar panels.

The Devon Mill installation will be developed into a regional demonstration centre for potential customers.

Peter said:” I was delighted to see the meter running backwards when we first turned the system on. I don’t see why we should pay increasing electricity bills when power can be free.

“Our Victorian forebears would have admired this level of efficiency – it keeps our business competitive as well as helping to protect the environment.

“To me, it makes perfect sense for other businesses in the North West to capitalise on their grand Victorian roof-space and join us in turning the region into the most energy-efficient in the country.”