Spectra Litho has reaped financial and environmental benefits since it switched to solar.

Managing director David Llewellyn said the family-owned Melbourne printer was saving "about 10-20%" for solar power compared to electricity supplied by the grid.

Solar power costs are about 8-10 cents per kilowatt lower, he told ProPrint.

[Reader Reaction: Saving money by going green]

Spectra Litho's solar system was supplied by Sun Connect. The system is rented, which meant the Knoxfield-based printer didn't have to pay for installation, and there are no insurance, maintenance or parts replacement costs.

"There were no out-of-pocket expenses for us," said Llewellyn. "And there was no interruption to power supply."

The solar power system was switched on in July. Llewellyn said Spectra Litho still drew about two-thirds of its electricity from the grid and could always rely on the grid if needed.

He said the switch to solar would help the firm market itself to clients such as councils and schools.

He added that it "fits in well with the Victorian government’s sustainable schools initiative" and "gives us an edge over competitors".

[Related: More Victorian news]

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