Sundog MD harnesses free power of solarPV to run his company car

Sundog Energy’s forward-looking Managing Director, Bill Roberts, will soon be harnessing the free power of solar PV, direct from his company’s new roof top solarPV installation, to charge his new, all-electric, Nissan LEAF company car.

While Cumbria’s renewable energy pioneers, Sundog Energy are busy creating solar PV installations with integral car charging points as part of their solar PV range they are also keen to demonstrate the connection between free energy from the sun and the positive steps individuals can take to reduce carbon emissions.

“And what better way than by example! said Bill. “Zero-emission electric cars are perfect for city or the country, and work well in the Lake District where I use the car to travel to and from work, and on site visits.  But it is not just for me. The LEAF is also freely available for use by any of the Sundog team, and we encourage our staff to experience zero carbon driving for themselves, whilst carrying out their duties.”

Running on 100% electric power, not on carbon, the LEAF has zero CO2 emissions and its advanced technology means it is already considerably cheaper to run than a conventional compact family hatchback.

According to Bill, “Depending on an individual's electricity tariff and time of charging, it should be possible to run the LEAF for less than 2 pence per mile. But where it gets really exciting is where there is a solar PV system associated with the charging point.”

Sundog has already recently commissioned a solar PV system at Ashton Hayes Pavilion in Cheshire and at the works depot for Manchester City Council, both of which have an electric car charging points as well as solar carports in Consett  and Blyth.

“Solar powered car charging points are a great opportunity to provide information about solar power and the environment that will ultimately help drive behavioural change in our society.” added Bill.