BROUGHSHANE-based Kann O&M is planning a three-year £250,000 investment after it received grant aid of £19,425 to purchase one of the leading solar panel cleaning systems currently on the market.
Kann specialises in the maintenance of high voltage plant and solar panels, as well as ground works and cleaning of solar panels to ensure optimal yield.
The Sunbrush system is used to wash large-scale solar farms to improve their performance, and it is the only one of its type across Ireland.
David Woodend, director of Kann O&M, says there is a need for the system as the number of solar farms across Northern Ireland was growing as the region strives to meet reduced carbon output goals.
“At present, solar farm operators in Northern Ireland have limited options when it comes to cleaning their sites and have to bring contractors from mainland UK or resort to manual cleaning, which is a long, labour intensive process with variable results.
“Dirty panels as a result of ineffective or no cleaning at all results in reduced electricity output from the farm. But the Sunbrush system can clean up to 20,000 solar panels across a 30-acre site in a day.”
The company received the financial assistance from the DAERA's Rural Micro Business Growth Scheme.
Director Samuel Knox said: “Ultimately the grant aid from the department will mean we can continue to grow the business. This includes plans for a £250,000 investment in the next three years, leading to six new jobs.”
