A hotel on the Norfolk/ Suffolk border has installed its own solar panel farm which has seen its energy costs slashed by two-thirds.

The Swan Motel is situated in Gillingham, on the edge of Beccles, and employs nearly 30 people.

After 90 years since it first opened in 1934, the family-friendly motel has branched out to find a new source of energy by installing solar panels on land next to the building.

Jon Cobby, owner of The Swan Motel, said the idea to use solar panels was “to go green and to save money”.

The Swan Motel first opened 90 years ago in 1934The Swan Motel first opened 90 years ago in 1934. (Image: Phoebe Ozanne, Newsquest)

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A couple of years ago, Mr Cobby said “the electricity bill went from £1,500 a month to £7,000 a month overnight.”

He said: “Everything is so power-hungry now, from heating, to air-conditioning, to the ovens

“Times are hard. It’s a struggle with the increase in all the costs."

Solar panel energy was the only option going forward, and Mr Cobby has noticed a considerable difference.

He said: “Already, it’s cutting my consumption by two-thirds. In the winter, we expect it will cut one-third.”

The motel has a snooker table and a darts board for all to enjoy.The motel has a pool table and a darts board for all to enjoy. (Image: Phoebe Ozanne, Newsquest)

While he agrees it has been worth it, he says “it wasn’t easy” to get the process up and running.

The application for the planning permission was put in November 2022 and was granted in January this year. The motel started the solar panel project in April.

In the year and a half, Mr Cobby said “there were lots of obstacles and hurdles” in the process, which surprised him.

“Record numbers of pubs are closing – we need support, we don’t need obstacles.”

Jon Cobby, owner of The Swan Motel, stood next to the solar panels.Jon Cobby, owner of The Swan Motel, stood next to the solar panels. (Image: Phoebe Ozanne, Newsquest)

Nonetheless, the motel is now reaping the benefits of the long-awaited panels, and Mr Cobby shared plans for more in the future.

He said: “We don’t have enough to fully cover our consumption yet. However, in a couple of years, I will definitely look at getting more.”

The Swan Motel is now looking forward to its Music and Beer Festival which is being held between August 23 to 26.