An installation of solar panels is part of a multi-million pound regeneration at The Port of Workington.

Installation work was carried out by Cumbrian renewable energy firm Sundog Energy at the port which is one of the largest in the UK.

The £5.7 million regeneration project is currently underway in order to deliver new and improved services and has been funded by Britain’s Energy Coast, Nuclear Management Partners and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

A total of 200 solar panels have been attached to a number of roofs on the site. The highly efficient 250 kWP solar PV panels will help in providing the port with renewable, free energy harnessed from the sun. It is hoped the daytime running costs will be greatly reduced by the amount of energy generated.    

Founder and technical director of Sundog Energy Martin Cotterell predicts that the investment made in the installations will be paid back with seven years. In addition to this, an internal rate of return of 15 per cent is expected to be made. Mr Cotterell said that solar PV panels are a “compelling proposition” for businesses at this time, especially considering the continuing rise in energy costs.

“It makes perfect sense for other businesses in the area to follow the port’s lead and capitalise on their roof spaces, start saving money, and help turn the region into one of the most energy-efficient in the country,” he added.

Jeremy Lihou, port manager for Port of Workington said that he was satisfied with the installation so far and that income generated from the feed in tariff was also an exciting prospect.

The feed in tariff is a government initiative that provides a yearly income from energy generated from solar panels that can be fed back into the nation grid.

A total of 38,440 kWH of electricity is expected to be generated in the first year that the solar power system is in operation.