HE has worked on renewable energy projects for the aquatic centre at the Beijing Olympics and the Eden Project in Cornwall.

Now Andy Edwards has been appointed as renewable energy manager for a Bolton green energy firm.

Mr Edwards, who has also worked on the Echo Arena in Liverpool, is the latest recruit for BHE Renewables, based at Wilkinson house, in Radcliffe Road.

The 37-year-old will develop the firm’s services and products for commercial and domestic customers in Bolton, the North West and across the UK.

He said: “Despite the recent reduction in the government incentive, known as the feed-in tariff, the cost of solar panels has also fallen significantly, meaning that solar panels for households are still a great investment.

“In fact, the average householder can get up to 14 per cent return on their investment which is much more than they get from putting their money into an ISA or a savings account.”

BHE Renewables, which was set up last year, supplies and installs “green” equipment such as air and ground source heat pumps, solar panels, solar thermal, combined heating and power units and mini wind units.

The firm, which employs 80 staff, is part of BHE Services (Bolton) Ltd, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year.

BHE Services is best known for its gas maintenance contract with Wigan and Leigh Housing, but it also carries out gas maintenance for domestic and commercial customers in Bolton and Wigan.

Mr Edwards, who lives in Southport, has also worked on numerous renewable energy installations for social housing projects and commercial properties including farms, warehouses and solar farms.

In his new role, he will be responsible for all incoming inquiries as well as carrying out surveys and managing installations of equipment.

BHE Services director Paul Wilkinson, director of BHE Services (Bolton) Ltd, claims an investment of £85,000 for a 50KW system of solar panels can generate an income and savings of £467,500 over 25 years, assuming an annual inflation rate of three per cent and energy price rises of seven per cent.