On Friday 27th March at 11.30am Commercial Director, Catherine Rohll switched-on Norbar’s new solar PV installation at the company’s redeveloped site at Wildmere Road, just outside Banbury.

Catherine Rohll says:

“We are delighted to be working with the Low Carbon Hub to increase renewable energy production in Oxfordshire. This is a scheme which benefits Norbar, the local community and the environment and we hope that other businesses in Banbury will be inspired to follow suit and start installing solar panels on their roofs.”

Barbara Hammond, CEO of the Low Carbon Hub says:

“We are delighted that Norbar is taking the lead in partnering with the Hub in the deployment of renewable energy and hope that other businesses will follow. The scheme is a unique opportunity for businesses to build on their environmental credentials and save money without the need for upfront investment. The project will also generate an income stream that will support local community energy projects for the next 20 years. It is a fantastic example of businesses and communities working together for the wider benefit.”

The Norbar solar installation is the Low Carbon Hubs largest business project to date and will generate over 200,000 kWh per annum, the equivalent of the electricity needed to power 50 homes. It will also generate an income of up to £7,000 per year to support the development of further community-owned renewable energy projects. And, what’s more, will save 111 tonnes CO2 per annum.

The Low Carbon Hub Solar Energy for Business Scheme has been very popular as it is a win-win situation for all. The Hub develops, installs, and raises the finance for the solar PV for business partners with a community share offer. Businesses get discounted green electricity; local investors get a fair return; and the Low Carbon Hub receives an income stream to support community energy projects, like Osney Lock Hydro in West Oxford and the Warming Barton scheme to help insulate homes in fuel poverty.

Last autumn the Low Carbon Hubs 2014 community share offer raised almost £1.7 million for renewable energy projects for Oxfordshire. The 2014/15 scheme will see 4000 solar panels installed across the county which will generate 865,000 kWh of clean, green electricity each year, enough to power a small village. And, what’s more, these projects create local community benefit for the next 20 years.

This scheme is being championed by Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council and the district councils to help Oxfordshire businesses to become more sustainable.

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Tom Leatherbarrow / Rebecca Lawlor

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