THE BRIEF
The Garlogie Inn is one of the north-east’s best-known bar and restaurant. Like so many other businesses, especially in the hospitality industry, it was struggling with increasingly high energy bills, with annual costs rising from around £28,000 a year to more than £70,000 in just four years.
Finding the increase unsustainable, owners Nick and Paul Quinn decided to investigate solar energy as a means of off-setting mounting costs.
THE SOLUTION
The team at i-Protech looked at the size of the Garlogie Inn and its energy use (around 10,000kw a month) and decided that 31 solar panels on both the South and West-facing roof space would be adequate.
It was also decided that because around 95% of the energy generated would be used each day, there would be no point in installing storage batteries. Over the course of a week in February, the 31 x 410w panels were fitted, which even on dull days will continue to generate power.
Two electric charging stations were also installed for customers with electric vehicles.
THE RESULT
Projections show that Nick and Paul will save in the region of £14,611 a year on electricity.
Nick said: “The Garlogie Inn is open all day, every day and, as such, we use a lot of heat and light. We recently had the kitchen revamped, with some large pieces of equipment installed which also use a lot of energy. Together with the increases in the energy standing charge, the costs were getting ridiculous.
“I have known Stuart at i-Protech for a long time, so I asked him about the benefits of solar and he and his team presented us with several options. The plan is that we will now be self-sufficient with no more reliance on the grid, and we are hoping to recoup our costs within five years.
“The guys at i-Protech were fantastic to deal with, from the planning process to completion and we are very happy with the finished product. I have been telling everyone who will listen that they should have solar panels installed too.”
About Stuart Munro
Stuart Munro, Director of i-Protech Technology and i-Protech Renewables Ltd, has almost a decade of expertise with renewable energy. Stuart has solidified i-Protech’s stature as a leader in solar energy and battery storage solutions. His commitment to renewable technologies has not only advanced the company’s portfolio in electrical and security systems but also underscored his dedication to environmental stewardship.
