The Rubis Warwick Gas Station will get some of its electricity needs fuelled by a newly installed array of 64 solar panels.

Be Solar installed the panels, the latest example of a commercial venture investing in alternative energy to trim its Belco bills.

In a statement Be Solar said the array would have the equivalent environmental impact of planting 169 trees.

The 17.92-kilowatt system at the South Shore Road business will offset carbon dioxide emissions by 586 metric tonnes.

The system, featuring photovoltaic panels made by SolarWorld, feeds directly into the gas station meter and the electricity is consumed on the property in real time.

The solar array and roof attachments were completed over a seven-day period by three Bermudians trained in electrical and solar installations and work full time for Be Solar.

Teddy Terceira, general manager of RUBiS Warwick Gas Station, had this to say: “We are thrilled to have partnered with Be Solar for this exciting project. Their SolarWorld panels and unique roof attachment system are the perfect fit for us because our location demands a robust and high-quality set-up, as we experience heavy salt exposure and high winds being so close to the waters of south shore.”

Travis Burland, sales and engineering director at Be Solar, said: “Be Solar is really proud to have installed the highest quality glass on glass SolarWorld panels on the first gas station to go solar in Bermuda.”