Ecotricity taps into solar energy to power Gloucestershire HQ

25 February 2003

Leading Gloucestershire based green electricity company, Ecotricity hopes to increase the renewable energy generation in the district by installing a solar energy system on the roof of its headquarters in Stroud. A planning application was submitted to Stroud District Council this week.

This is the first time a company in the town centre has used this solar system, known as photovoltaic (PV). The specialist system will generate electricity directly from sunlight to power the three storey office building with renewable energy.

Dale Vince, managing director of Ecotricity comments, "This is something we have been planning for a while and I am excited that the planning application has gone in for this energy saving system. The installation of PV on the roof will directly contribute to Stroud District's achievement of national renewable energy targets. I only hope that Stroud District Council see sense and approve this initiative as they have a very poor record of backing renewable energy projects "

David Drew, MP for Stroud comments, "I am delighted to support this initiative. Encouraging the development of photo-voltaic is long overdue and I congratulate Ecotricity on taking forward this proposal in the Stroud area."

Ecotricity has been supplying green electricity to organisations since 1996 and will be launching a new service in April to supply green electricity to people in their homes. The Company has an ambitious build programme scheduled for the next few years.