The panels have been placed at its Barnard Castle manufacturing site, as well as at its distribution warehouse at Stainton Grove, both of which are located in Durham.

William Smith says this will be the first of a number of initiatives the company is taking, aimed at increasing efficiencies, reducing costs and creating further improvements across its wider business performance.

Rob Smith, general manager at William Smith, comments: “Energy Gain, of Ashton-under-Lyne, which installed the panels, looks to make installations as efficient as possible for individual businesses.

“The system was built, therefore, around covering 100% of our electricity in the peak sunshine months, aiming to send as little as possible back into the grid, as payback is minimal.

“So, for example, in January the panels will cover 10% of our costs, and in July they’ll cover 109%, with a sliding scale in between.”

William Smith anticipates payback for the solar panels in around four-and-a-half to five years, while the installation will also help to reduce its carbon footprint.

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