Captain Cook Inn, Staithes - Saving Money with Solar

Captain Cook Inn is a pub and bed and breakfast in the coastal town of Staithes. Having received an environmental audit through the National Parks project in November last year, and showing interest in renewable technologies, Project Officer Laura Backhouse was able to introduce the business to another Business Environmental Forum service - the Renewable Grant Assistance Project. Captain Cook Inn has now had solar hot water panels installed through the Renewable Technology Grant, which offers up to £4000 match funding for renewable projects.

Trevor Readman, owner of Captain Cook Inn says he has been interested in environmental issues and renewable energy for many years and has been glad of the support and assistance he has received through the Business Environmental Forum.

The panels were installed at the beginning of September and Trevor has already seen a positive impact on his hot water heating. Trevor says: "I think that the solar panels will deliver all of my hot water demands during the summer months, I have already had a few days where the water from the panel is coming out at 60 degrees Centigrade".

Solar hot water heating can be used for a variety of applications, from businesses requiring hot water, individual householders to swimming pools.

The panels were installed by Solar Utilities and Trevor says that the process was quick and easy: "Richard Scott from Solar Utilities was great; the job was done with minimal disruption to the business".

The Renewable Technologies Grant provides up to £4000 match funding for SME's in Objective 2 areas to install technologies such as biomass systems, solar hot water panels and heat pumps.

For further information contact the Business Environmental Forum on 01904 554541.