Top Award for Solar Power NI / BHC Distributors

Solar Power NI / BHC Distributors have been recognised for their work in the renewable energy sector at the annual Sustainable Ireland Awards.

The company received the award for Best Use of Renewable Energy Sources, sponsored by Bavarian BMW, at a glittering black tie event at the Ramada Hotel in Belfast.

The award is for the Ballycastle based company’s work at the Dunamallaght farm which is situated at the foot of Knocklayde Mountain and Ballycastle Forest, offering breath-taking views over the North Antrim Coast and Glens made famous in recent times by Game of Thrones.

Dunamallaght Farm is a very unique development in that it consists of a working farm, a commercial recycling business, holiday chalets and also domestic residences.

The company has utilised both a wind turbine and a solar PV installation to provide the entire development with sustainable and eco-friendly power.

The solar installation itself has been a great success and its production is exceeding expectations. The combination of wind and solar has also been a fantastic success proving that the two technologies can work perfectly together.

The real hidden gems within Dunamallaght Farm, however, are the Ocean View Chalets which run entirely on renewable energy – there are even charging facilities for electric cars and bikes, free for guests to use. In addition, all the water supplied to the chalets, after filtration, originates from a self-constructed well located on the nearby mountainside.

“We believe the Dunamallaght Farm and in particular the Ocean View Chalets are a leading example of eco-friendly and sustainable design, making the best possible use of renewable technology to offer unrivalled energy saving – and we are delighted the awards judges agreed,” said a company spokesman.

With 16 separate categories, the annual Awards is organised by the Hillsborough based publishers of Sustainable Ireland and is now widely regarded as the premier event in the Irish Environmental, Waste Management and Energy sectors, attracting entries, support and sponsorship from all the leading players across the industry.