FOUR Devon based companies have joined forces to combine their expertise and develop one of the largest industrial solar panel roof installations in the country.

The massive array covers the roof of an entire industrial unit at steel fabricators PFG fabricators in Bampton.

The array has covered the roof with 354 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels that are able to convert daylight into enough electricity to power 25 homes.

With installations of this scale being so rare, PFG fabrication sought guidance from government funded online resource Business Link.

Director of PFG fabrication, Paul Govier said: “While the solar PV installation is a significant investment, it’s one that makes perfect sense.”

Business Link offer support and a grant to help small businesses, having carried out extensive research into solar panels and suppliers throughout the UK and internationally.

Next to become involved was Barnstaple-based renewable energy installer Eco-Exmoor, who specialise in renewable energy installation and electrical work and provided training in advance of the project.

Finally, solar PV wholesaler REB2B of Collumpton, experts in solar PV products joined the team and contributed specialist technical expertise, advising on the most suitable products and supplying the entire system.

Particularly, REB2B provided special angled roof mounting racks, to better tilt panels towards the light, dramatically improving the system’s overall performance.

Just a few weeks after the system began generating power - PFG is confident its £230,000 investment was wise and they will get a great return.