Mike and Liz Rose, Oakbank, Lamlash

Individual Mike and Liz Rose have reduced their energy needs to a fraction of their previous bills, while saving the environment.

To supplement a biomass boiler, they installed 16 x 250 watt solar panels in their backyard in December 2015. They can produce up to four kilowatts, which is the maximum domestic installation, before moving up to commercial three phase electric supplies. In past 12 months, they have produced 2991.86Kw hours of electricity.

Asked what their motivation was, Mike said: ‘We have always wanted to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Over the years we have enjoyed many visits to the centre for alternative technology in Wales. We would encourage everyone to pay a visit, as they have hundreds of ideas on how to become more environmentally friendly while saving you a load of money too.’