A Cambridgeshire Nissan dealership has just completed an impressive new solar energy installation, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.
The state-of-the-art system at JS Holmes Ltd in Wisbech St Mary comprises 171 high-efficiency 445-watt panels fitted to the showroom and workshop roof. It’s expected that they will meet nearly 40 per cent of the company’s annual electricity needs.
Seventy-five per cent of the energy generated will be used on site while excess power will be fed into the grid. Moving forward, JS Holmes will be significantly reducing its reliance on external energy sources and the investment should pay for itself in under four years.
The 76kW system will prevent around 16 tonnes of carbon emissions per year – the environmental equivalent of planting hundreds of trees.
The project builds upon JS Holmes’ other sustainability initiatives, such as switching to a renewable electricity tariff, and making efforts to recycle oil, tyres and cardboard. In addition, an environmentally-friendly water-based paint system was introduced in the bodyshop last year.
As well as reducing its operational carbon footprint, JS Holmes is supporting the transition to electric mobility. The company is proud to have supplied more than 100 used electric vehicles, such as Nissan LEAFs and ARIYAs, in the past year.
Alex Holmes, company director at JS Holmes, said: ‘‘We are committed to driving positive environmental change while ensuring the long-term sustainability of our operations.
A great experience
‘‘Our investment in solar energy, alongside our dedication to electric vehicles, highlights our ambition to be at the forefront of the green transition. We would like to thank local company 4 Way Group for installing our new solar power system – we had a great experience with them.
‘‘With our strong focus on sustainability, we continue to demonstrate that environmental responsibility and commercial success can go hand in hand.’’
Last year was JS Holmes’ final year as a Nissan main dealer after 49 years. As an authorised repairer, the company remains proud to represent the brand and was recently presented with a Global Award for excellence by the manufacturer.