A century-old, family-owned electronics store in Wimborne is taking a decisive step towards energy independence by harnessing solar power. Dacombes of Wimborne, established in the 1920s, has installed a robust 41kW solar system to power its extensive showroom, which features hundreds of appliances, televisions, and home entertainment systems.
Wimborne Independent Electronics Store Switches to Solar Energy
The move was prompted by escalating electricity bills, a significant operational challenge for the business. Matt Renaut, the managing director of Dacombes, vividly described the store’s high energy consumption. “With air conditioning, lighting, TVs, and displays, our electricity drain equated to having three kettles boiling all day long,” Renaut explained. “I used to have to sit down before looking at our monthly electricity statement. The rise over the past few years is concerning!”
To address this, Dacombes collaborated with Low Carbon Dorset, a grant initiative by the Dorset Council designed to help local businesses adopt greener practices. This partnership provided crucial financial and technical support, enabling the store to navigate the five-month journey from application to project completion, a move reported by local media outlets.
A Complex but Effective Installation
Ringwood-based Empower Energy was tasked with the project, which involved a complex installation of 99 solar panels across five different roof elevations. Mark Wingrove, Business Development Manager at Empower Energy, noted the financial pressures businesses face, stating, “Commercial organisations—in contrast to residential energy consumers—are not protected by a price cap, making it a major financial burden to handle skyrocketing energy bills.”
Despite the intricate setup, the system has delivered immediate results. “Even in the bad weather we’re having right now, we’re still producing enough energy during the day to power our store during its operating hours,” confirmed Renaut. The new system, which was expertly installed by the specialists, is expected to significantly reduce the store’s carbon footprint.
A Comprehensive Green Strategy
The solar array is part of a broader sustainability initiative. Dacombes has also integrated a Tesla battery for energy storage, two EV van chargers, modern heat pumps, and new lighting to maximize its energy efficiency. Steven Ford, Corporate Director for Strategy, Performance, and Sustainability at Dorset Council, praised the collaboration, noting that the green measures will not only lower energy bills but also “support future green initiatives.”
With its new sustainable infrastructure in place, Dacombes is already planning its next step. “To further minimise our carbon impact, we want to transition to electric delivery vans in Phase 2 of our green energy strategy,” Renaut stated. This forward-thinking approach showcases how a historic local business can lead the way in environmental responsibility while securing its financial future.
Sources
- Three awards for Dacombes of Wimborne as green initiatives praised
- News | Planet Wimborne
- The Sun Always Shines as Dacombes of Wimborne Goes Solar …
- Our History and Our Awards – Dacombes of Wimborne
- ‘The night just kept getting better!’ Dacombes of Wimborne scoops …
- 100-year-old Wimborne independent electronics store goes solar
- Dacombes goes solar and shines in sustainability – The BV