AN IRVINE glass factory is now set to layer its roof with nearly 5,000 solar panels in a bid to reduce energy costs.

Ardagh Glass Ltd applied to install roof mounted solar photovoltaic panels on two warehouses including an external transformer adjacent to an existing substation.

The plans were approved at the firms base on Portland Road with no conditions last week.

Planning documents state: “It is proposed to cover the roofs of both warehouses with solar PV panels, which would be arranged in a series of geometric banks and mounted on racks as close to the roof planes as possible.

“A total of 4,792 panels would be fitted (approximately 2674 panels on one roof, and 2118 panels on the other) giving a generating capacity of up to 1.8MW.

“A small transformer station measuring 2.5m x 2.1m on plan and 2.65m in height would be placed beside the south elevation of one of the warehouses to convert the electricity from DC to AC.

“The applicant advises that the proposed development is related to the need of the business to reduce energy costs associated with glass production (which primarily involves operating a furnace).

“The application does not raise any strategic policy issues given that it relates to the installation of a low impact renewable energy system on the roofs of two warehouses at an established industrial site within Irvine.

“An existing installation nearby on the roof of the Scottish Maritime Museum has not resulted in any adverse impacts on the surrounding area.

“The two warehouses at the western end of the Ardagh Glass are much lower in height than the older buildings within the factory site.

“As such, any visual impacts arising from the solar panels would be very localised and not adverse given the industrial context.”