Marsa firm gets all its energy from the sun

Solar Systems Ltd, a company that produces tanks for solar water heaters had stolen a march on its competitors by relying solely on solar energy for its electricity.

The Marsa company, which forms part of the Bajada Group, has installed rows of photovoltaic units on the roof, producing some 82 units of electricity. As a result, it does not have any electricity bill to pay.

The photovoltaic units were installed with financial assistance from Malta Enterprise and the European Fund for Regional Development. The project cost €80,000.

Managing director Mark Bajada said the project was giving his company a competitive advantage over its rivals. It will also save it a bill of €7,000 per year and a reduced tax bill.

Bajada group imports solar heating panels and then exports solar heaters to Italy, Spain, France, and France.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi congratulated the company during a visit this morning and said its project fitted in the government's plans to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, for environmental reasons and also because of the high oil price.

The government, through its agencies, had last year given total assistance of €8.5m to some 150 companies in order to help them convert to energy saving or alternative energy equipment, he said.