Last updated at 11:55, Tuesday, 21 February 2012

CUMBRIAN solar panel firm Sundog Energy is taking the sun’s energy to a new level by using it to power a company car.

STAR CAR: Sundog managing director, Bill Roberts with his new solar electric powered company car

Managing director Bill Roberts’ all-electric company car is now using the free power of the sun, generated direct from the company’s new state-of-the-art 14kWp roof top solar PV installation.

And, having just clocked 10,000 miles in less than six months, the MD’s Nissan LEAF appears on the Nissan telemetrics website as one of the world’s highest mileage electric vehicles.

The boss regularly uses the car to travel to and from work, and on site visits. The LEAF is available for use by any member of the Sundog team, and Bill encourages his staff to experience zero carbon driving for themselves, whilst carrying out their duties, whenever possible.

Running on 100 per cent electric power, rather than petrol or diesel, the LEAF emits no CO2 or other exhaust fumes and, when it is charged with solar electricity, it is entirely CO2-free.

The LEAF’s advanced technology means it is also considerably cheaper to run than a conventional family hatchback.

While it would cost around 15 pence per mile in fuel to drive an equivalent sized petrol car, the LEAF can cost less than 2p per mile (depending on an individual’s electricity tariff and time of charging).

If the car has been charged with your own solar electricity it is as near to free motoring as you can get.

Mr Roberts said: “I Iove driving my electric car and it just goes to show that motoring really can be clean, green, quiet and fun, and with almost zero running costs now it is powered by our own solar generated electricity!

“Solar PV is a wonderful investment. Not only do you get a great return from your money but by generating your own green electricity, you are also investing in a positive legacy for future generations and the environment.

“Motoring is a major cause of carbon emissions, so by shifting to solar powered electric cars, individuals and small businesses can cut their emissions as well as their running costs.”

Sundog Energy, based at Penrith, has installed a number of solar PV systems to power electric car charging points and is keen to demonstrate the connection between free energy from the sun and the positive steps individuals can take to reduce carbon emissions.

First published at 10:33, Saturday, 18 February 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk