A Cornwall car body repair shop has announced plans to double its solar power capacity.

Fix Auto Penzance, with help from Truro-based asset finance provider, Ignition, has installed a new bank of 30kW panels on its paintshop roof. The shop said the panels would help the company keep energy costs down whilst continuing its ongoing commitment to operate in an environmentally responsible way.

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Established in 1988, Fix Auto Penzance is a carbon neutral organisation, which has integrated environmental conservation into its operations for years. This includes the use of environmental paints and re-used parts, along with large-scale materials recycling across the Fix Auto º£½ÇÊÓƵ network.

Its first solar panels were installed 12 years ago, providing an initial 30kW of power, but since then the business has grown and its energy use has increased. The new panels will bring the company's capacity to 60kW.

Managing director of Fix Auto Penzance, Stuart Cameron, said: “In the 12 years since we first purchased solar panels, our workshop space has doubled in size and we have installed additional features such as a high-tech, robotic three-bay drying booth, a wheel refurbishment operation, and an electric vehicle charging bay – all resulting in an increase in our energy use.

“Our previous solar investment was a sound financial decision, particularly since we continue to benefit from a ‘feed-in tariff’ where we receive annual payments for energy sold back to the grid. Expanding our solar power capacity at this stage makes absolute sense, both from a financial point of view, and to further strengthen our environmentally friendly credentials.â€

Eleanor Smith, Ignition’s business development manager and solar specialist, added: “Stuart and his team at Fix Auto Penzance have put environmental conservation at the heart of their business for many years, winning several awards for their efforts and forging an excellent reputation amongst their customers. We were delighted to assist with the expansion of their solar power provision, which aligns with their company ethos and will provide long-term cost savings.â€