Independent forecourt retailers in parts of the UK are being encouraged to reduce their costs by signing up to a Free SolarPV Electricity scheme which uses their canopies and shop roofs. Due South Energy is looking for suitable sites for its ’RentaRoof’ scheme, where solar photo-voltaic panels are installed on roofs, under a 25-year lease.

As Due South Energy will receive money through government ’Feed In Tariffs’ and any ’Export Tariffs’ from any unused electricity, it will pay the installation and maintenance costs of the panels, while the site owner receives free use of the electricity generated. Chartered Surveyor and site finder Byron Evans is on the lookout for suitable canopies and roofs across the southern parts of England and Wales on behalf of Due South Energy. He said: "Due South Energy will install and maintain a solar PV system of up to 50 kilowatt peak (kWp) per annum capacity for business users of electricity. The systems generate electricity during daylight hours and the owner gains free use of this electricity for 25 years, without the need for significant capital investment. Due South Energy receives the Feed In Tariffs and this money is used to finance the scheme. Due South Energy pays the installation, site survey, planning and maintenance costs."

To provide sufficient financial return for the investment the sites need to be located in areas with relatively high levels of sun irradiation. The current round of schemes must be completed and connected to the National Grid no later than next March. Call Byron Evans on:

07850 861343

www.duesouthenergy.co.uk