A LEADING UK manufacturing and engineering group in County Durham has installed one of the largest roof top arrays of solar panels in the country.

The Bignall Group has invested in more than 620 panels, covering 1,200sq ft, on the roof of its engineering factory in Shildon.

The 150 kilowatt photo-voltaic array is one of only a few of its size in the country and has already proved hugely successful in both 'green energy' production and in reducing costs.

The company held an in-depth study into sustainable power and energy efficiency measures across the group looking for an option that provided not only power generation, but cost savings, and which lowered environmental impacts.

Chris Hutchinson, group general manager, said: "The company completed a study into various methods of energy efficiency, including solar energy, some years ago, but the investment didn't appear to be cost-effective.

"But with first-class mentoring and support from Malcolm Potter, of Tadea UK, we were able to reassess using the latest technology and information available."

John Bignall, group director, added: "This shows our customers that we're investing in the long-term future of the company and keeping our energy costs down, which is good for our clients too.

"Hardware costs have come down significantly and electricity prices are predicted to rise. It's excellent for us and a positive statement to our clients.

"The installation has now been in operation for more than a year and has generated more than 211,000 kWh and has exported more than 89,000 kWh."

The Bignall Group is a family-run engineering company, which has operated for more than 30 years.