Case Study- Solar PV and Battery Storage Installation for Rural Cold Storage Facility
Project Summary:
System Size: 250 kW
Annual Output: 229,800 kWh
Background
A large cold storage facility, located in a rural area, faced significant challenges in meeting its substantial energy demands due to its reliance on the national grid.
Cold stores typically have a year-round need for energy, especially for refrigeration purposes, which makes energy costs a major part of their operational expenditure. Moreover, their rural location exposed them to potential disruptions from power cuts and energy fluctuations, which could significantly impact operations.
The cold store sought a sustainable solution that would ensure energy security while reducing costs and carbon emissions.
Approach
To address these issues, the business decided to install a 250 kW solar PV system alongside battery storage technology. The installation of solar panels enabled the facility to generate renewable energy on-site, reducing its dependence on grid-supplied electricity.
This was a crucial decision as it not only cut energy costs but also provided a safeguard against power outages, ensuring that the cold store could continue to operate smoothly, even during grid failures.
The addition of battery storage further enhanced this capability. By storing excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours, the cold store could use this power during periods of lower solar generation, such as at night or during overcast weather.
This gave the facility greater flexibility and control over its energy use, maximising the efficiency of the solar PV system while ensuring uninterrupted operations.
Results
The installation of the 250 kW system now generates an annual output of 229,800 kWh, which has had a transformative impact on the cold store's operations:
Reduced Energy Costs: By generating a significant portion of their electricity from solar, the cold store has been able to reduce its reliance on expensive grid-supplied power. This has led to substantial cost savings.
Increased Energy Security: The inclusion of battery storage ensures the business remains protected from power cuts and grid fluctuations, a crucial advantage given their rural location.
Lower Carbon Emissions: By adopting renewable energy, the cold store has significantly reduced its carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly operation.
Future-Proofing the Business: With rising energy prices and increased volatility in the energy market, the investment in solar and battery storage has provided the business with long-term energy security, ensuring they are less vulnerable to future price hikes.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates how renewable energy solutions, particularly when combined with battery storage, can provide agricultural businesses with significant benefits. The cold storage facility has achieved greater energy independence, reduced its carbon emissions, and gained protection against power cuts, all while saving on energy costs.
This case is a prime example of how solar PV systems can offer both environmental and financial advantages to businesses in the agricultural and agri-food sectors, particularly those with high, continuous energy requirements.