Skipton Golf Club has demonstrated its green credentials on and off the course by installing solar panels to generate its own electricity – a project made possible thanks to the support and generosity of local company Persson Electrical.
The initiative began five months ago when Dale Persson – owner of Persson Electrical and a long-time Skipton member – offered to provide his firm’s services at no cost to fit solar panels on the greenkeepers’ building’s south-facing roof.
Work began in April with the removal of several trees ahead of the arrival of Persson Electrical in July, with the team having already dealt with the necessary approvals and Northern Grid connections.
Six working days later, the job was complete and the club began generating its own electricity. In the summer months, the panels produce more than enough power to meet the club’s overall needs with the excess sold back to the National Grid.
Skipton men’s captain, Jonathan Smith, said: “In all, it should generate about 30% of the annual needs of the club, saving several thousands of pounds per year. Over a 25-year life it is expected to return more than £350,000 of benefits to the club. Clearly, Dale’s generosity in providing all the labour and knowhow for no cost was a major factor in the decision to go ahead, which has set up the club to benefit for years to come. Our warmest and heartfelt thanks go to Persson Electrical for their generous support and sponsorship.”
Dale added: “I was more than happy to support the club in this ground-breaking initiative. The project can only help Skipton move forward and more effectively demonstrate its commitment to meeting its long-term environmental responsibilities.”
