Torquay based Gooch & Housego, high tech photonic engineers are pushing the boundaries not just in their field of expertise where they are already global leaders, but also in generating their own 100% renewable electricity.

Partnering with the UK’s oldest Solar PV installation business, Beco Energy, Gooch & Housego are currently mid-project on a whopping 300kW rooftop solar array.  Once completed this array will be the largest rooftop system in the bay, surpassing Beco’s other large install at the Blue Sea Food Company.

Gooch & Housego will be in the enviable position of using over 90% of the energy produced by their solar system which not only protects the business from ever increasing energy costs but also brings huge environmental benefits.  With CO₂ emissions reduced by 3,702 tonnes over 25 years, Gooch & Housego can look to their future expansion plans knowing they have done their bit for climate change and achieved energy security. 

With the system paying back in under 5 years, all eyes are on Torquay prior to a roll out of Solar at other UK G&H sites.

Whilst many businesses have been confused by the withdrawal of solar subsidies, Steve Rider, Operations Director at Gooch & Housego was quick to understand that the benefits of solar have not been lost and thanks to the falling price of panels.  Solar is more affordable today than it was at the peak of the Feed-in-tariff.

Gooch & Housego’s Steve Rider:   “G & H are thrilled at the prospect of expansion in Torquay where we are already amongst the larger employers.  The solar install is something any business seriously interested in their profitability and sustainability should embrace.  Over 25 years, on today’s energy prices, we are going to save in excess of £1,200,000 on power.  Reinvested in the business this saving results in benefits for Gooch & Housego, our staff, customers and the wider community.” 

Looking at taking on an additional 50+ staff this year, the future is looking sunny for Gooch & Housego, the local economy and the environment.

Beco were the partner of choice given their extensive experience of commercial solar and of course the local connection which spans four decades.  2019 marks Beco’s 40^th anniversary and like many of us who have achieved similar maturity, rather than feeling their day is done, the business is poised to embrace the ever increasing needs for sustainable energy with both forward focus and wealth of experience.

Beco Energy’s Simon Nicholls “We have seen a huge upsurge in interest in solar PV and energy conservation recently.  Perhaps thanks to David Attenborough and Greta Thunberg, the subject of climate change and energy usage is finally receiving the urgent attention it deserves.  I congratulate Gooch & Housego on the steps they are taking to protect their business and environment”.