Demand for renewable energy boosts business
AN East Yorkshire business is benefitting from the surge in demand for renewable energy in homes across the country, turning over £3m in its first six months of installing solar roof panels.
Hull-based building services company Martin Dixon made the move into the residential renewable energy market just six months ago and as well as seeing a £3m turnover, it has opened five new bases across the UK and employed more than 30 new staff.
“We knew we had to get the timing right to move into the renewables market, and to say it has been a success is an understatement,” said business development manager Frank Saunders.
“We have seen huge demand for Solar PV panels as people are increasingly seeing the benefit of transforming the way they power their homes.
“Our success reflects a recent shift in people’s perception about installing and using green energy systems in their homes. Many people were dubious before, but the financial benefits for going green at home now cannot be argued with.”
With the business also supplying solar thermal systems and biomass boilers to provide all heating and hot water in homes, something now supported by the Government’s new domestic renewable heat incentive which pays homeowners quarterly payments for seven years when switching to renewable heating systems, Saunders is expecting another lift in enquiries.
“People have been very interested in turning towards green energy for a long time, but have needed these incentives across the board to make the change,” he said.
“The domestic renewable heat incentive provides the needed financial help to households wishing to make the switch to renewable heating.
“It will not only allow people to have warmer homes and cheaper fuel bills, but also receive cash payments for embracing these new technologies. It is a win-win.
“For us, we expect this to be a big part of our work going forward in the residential side of our business.
“It has been a great six months for us. The rest of our business, in which we have always been leaders in supplying mechanical and electrical services to major companies and contractors, remains extremely strong, but we are delighted we recognised the shift towards the renewables market and it has been an excellent addition to our services.”
The business recently transformed South Cave CE Primary School into one of the most energy efficient schools in the country. The company installed a wood pellet-burning biomass boiler to provide heat, and 60 solar panels on the roof to turn the sun’s rays into electricity, powering super energy-efficient LED lights across the site.
Providing heat, electricity and light throughout the entire school, the three systems will reduce the school’s carbon footprint by 170 tonnes of Co2 emissions a year and generate substantial savings and income for the next two decades.
