Top tourist attraction and restaurant goes solar to eat away at rising energy bills

A BELOVED tourist attraction switched to solar power in a bid to combat spiralling energy costs.

Afonwen Craft Centre – home to the popular Edenshine Restaurant – made the move after anticipating its electricity bills would more than double in the near future.

Owners Adrian Dallolio and Janet Monshin Dallolio, who have run the centre for more than 32 years, contacted Kinmel Bay-based JM Renewable Solutions for support.

The award-winning firm, which employs up to 30 people, installed 64 solar panels on the Flintshire venue, which will generate an estimated 20.55KWh annually, the equivalent of planting 183 trees.

“We had been thinking about moving over to renewable energy for some time, and the crunch was the huge rise in electricity costs,” said Janet.

“The financial aspect is important, but we are also looking long-term and wanted to future-proof the centre, as well as becoming more sustainable and having a positive impact on the environment.

“It is a significant investment but vital for our future and the world around us; JM Renewable Solutions has been fantastic from start to finish, nothing has been too much trouble and the whole process was seamless, so we are very thankful to them.”

The Welsh Government has set a target for all electricity demand in Wales to be met from renewable energy sources by 2035.

Afonwen Craft Centre should see a return on investment after less than four years, and JM Renewable Solutions director Ben Musgrave encouraged other organisations with a larger carbon footprint to join them in working towards a greener future.

“Their electricity bill was going to at least double – which is the case for thousands of people UK-wide – so from that perspective it’s the smartest and most sustainable decision,” said Ben.

“They will see a return on investment within just a few years, and there are the obvious eco benefits given both the Welsh and UK governments are pushing for businesses to become net zero.”

He added: “We have been in the sector now for more than a decade, with customers the length and breadth of the country.

“It’s always a pleasure to help companies in North Wales, especially such a well-known and much-loved attraction, and we are pleased Janet and Adrian are already seeing the benefits.

“We encourage other people to get in touch to find out more, as once the panels are installed the system will carry on working forever, saving money and helping them to become more sustainable – it’s a no-brainer.”