WITH gas and electricity prices continuing to rise, the Energy Saving Trust is advising businesses to invest in renewable energy, such as solar power.

The trust's photovoltaic programme manager, Kirk Archibald, said that with predictions of wholesale gas prices rising a further 21 per cent in 2004, "there has never been a better time for companies to change to more sustainable forms of energy and insure their business against escalating costs".

"At a time when the bottom-line is under greater scrutiny than ever before, businesses should be aware of renewable energy alternatives," he said.

He said one option was to install solar photovoltaic cells that use sunlight to provide clean, free, inflation-proof electricity.

"Sustainable and environmentally friendly products and services increasingly encourage customer loyalty and, by using solar energy, companies can differentiate themselves from their competitors, maximising their competitive advantage," he said.

"PV panels require almost no maintenance and are silent to run and, unlike fossil fuels, solar power is free of the emissions that contribute to climate change."

Under the current agreement with the Department of Trade and Industry, the Energy Saving Trust offers large-scale commercial organisations grants of up to 40 per cent towards installation costs.

The trust offers small to medium-sized enterprises grants of up to 50 per cent.