ZEN Home Energy Systems has the most energy efficient car fleet of any solar company, as part of its commitment to protecting the environment.

The Adelaide-based solar energy company has a fleet of ten Ford Fiesta Econetic cars, which are the most fuel efficient vehicles on the Australian market and produce less CO2 emissions.

ZEN chief executive officer Richard Turner said the car fleet was further proof his company’s promise to caring for the environment did not end at solar panels.

``We think it’s important for a solar company to be leading the way with measures to protect the environment,’’ he said.

``So we researched environmentally-friendly cars on the Australian market.

``We chose the Fiesta Econetic because it is the greenest car available, and is going to do the least amount of harm to the environment.’’

During last year’s Global Green Challenge from Darwin to Adelaide, the car used 98 litres of fuel to travel the 3147km.

It is only the second car in Australia to achieve a greenhouse gas emission rating under 100g/km and the only non-hybrid car to get a low CO2 figure of 98g/km.

ZEN Home Energy Systems was last month officially recognised as South Australia’s fastest growing business at the 2010 In-Business Fast Movers Awards.

Mr Turner, who founded ZEN in 2005, has grown the company to a market leader, with year upon year of 800 per cent growth.

ZEN plans to reach $100 million turnover next financial year, and has plans to have 14 retail stores opened across Australia by the end of this financial year.

``ZEN is growing exponentially in response to strong demand for better quality energy solutions in metropolitan, regional and rural communities right across Australia,’’ Mr Turner said.

Mr Turner was named Australia’s Entrepreneur of the Year in the National Cleantech category at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in November.