Inchcape Fleet Solutions uses the sun to power EV

Inchcape Fleet Solutions has installed an array of photovoltaic solar panels at its headquarters in Haven House, Portsmouth, which will be used both to generate electricity for the office and to power an electric vehicle (EV).

Following a supplier review, Buckinghamshire-based Ardenham Energy was selected to fit the solar panels, with a smart fortwo electric vehicle provided by Mercedes-Benz UK Limited.

Haven House’s coastal location and south-facing roof makes it a perfect candidate for solar panel installation and the system aims to enable Inchcape Fleet Solutions to make cost savings, while reducing its environmental impact at the same time.

It will save the company an estimated £12,000 per annum and, as early adopters, the company has locked into the 25-year government guaranteed RPI linked Feed-in Tariff returns meaning savings potentially rising to over £20,000.

Finance and business intelligence director Gary Woodcock said: “By undertaking this project, I believe we are making a significant statement to our current and future customer base, making clear that we are dedicated to playing our part in carbon reduction and will constantly evaluate our processes to this effect.”