AN enterprising firm is leading by example to promote renewable energy and a welcome cut in fuel bills.

Bosses at electrical contractors CCE (Bury) Ltd fitted a 1.85 kilowatt solar panel system on to its roof in Westbury Close, Bury.

As well as reaping the rewards of electricity savings, the company will harness the panels as a prime marketing tool in its quest to persuade commercial and domestic customers to buy and fit the same system.

And thanks to the Government’s “feed in tariff (FIT)” scheme, the firm will receive about £684 a year in recognition of the investment it has made in the solar panels.

(CCE) Bury’s head of sales, Tony Hart, said: “Not only that, but the system will reduce our electricity bills by more than a third.

“Basically, instead of having a single supply directly from the grid, we now have a dual supply.

“Our own solar panels are a positive marketing move. We believe that to inspire other people to do this, we have to see the value of it ourselves.

“We view the system as a tremendous financial investment for people. If they spend £10,000, the Government will pay up to £900 a year.

“And the sum paid is index-linked for the next 25 years.”

The firm is now launching a leaflet campaign and internet promotion.

Mr Hart said: “The system is available for people to purchase from us and we also offer bespoke fitting.

“We will survey a house and give advice on what we believe is most beneficial in terms of the visual aspect and the energy needs of the home.

“There are many different systems and sizes.”

Apart from actively targeting the domestic market, CCE (Bury) will also be approaching local authorities on the commercial front in the hope councils will adopt solar panels for local authority homes and other properties.

CCE (Bury) has been trading in the town for six years and is involved in large electrical contracting projects, including the fitting out of universities, schools and banks.

At the marketing launch, CCE (Bury) met up with representatives of Bury Electric Centre, distributors of the German-manufactured system, and Ubbink, which supplies the panels and the kit. For more information, email ccebury@ btinternet.com.