Alara Wholefoods - Solar Panel Case Study - Solarsense
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Client
Alara Wholefoods
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Sector
Manufacturing
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Technology
Solar PV
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System size
22.5kWp
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Annual output
20,042kWh
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Annual CO2 savings
17.75 tonnes
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Roof type
Pitched metal profile
Client
Alara Wholefoods is one of the most (if not the most) environmentally friendly and forward thinking food companies in the UK. The Food Manufacturer was the first food company in the country to go “zero waste”, the first cereal company in the world to be certified organic, the first food producer to be licensed for gluten-free production and the first to make Fairtrade mueslis. The company also donates all food waste to charity, or if inedible used in an anaerobic digestor to produce fertilizer for their very own, on-site permaculture garden.
In 2010 the company began to explore solar energy as a sustainable means to powering their operations. That year they rebranded the company with a new motto; “Welcome the Sun”, signifying the profound move from an unsustainable society relying on fossil fuels, to a sustainable one using solar energy. This rebrand resonated with their customers and helped the company to increase their turnover by 20% the following year.
TASK
Solarsense installed a 22.5kWp solar panel system on the roof of the Alara manufacturing plant based in Kings Cross, London. The factory solar PV array generates more than 20,042kWh of renewable energy per annum; mitigating more than 17.5 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
The solar panels were installed on a pitched metal profile roof and designed to preserve the existing roof lights; ensuring no disruption to the food production facility below.
“Solarsense were our first choice… Not only were they professional in helping us choose the right solar panel system, the installation process was quick and straightforward“.
Alex smith – co-founder, alara wholefoods
Services provided
- Detailed technical design (solar panels)
- Full supply, installation & commissioning
- Full handover including MCS registration and G99 grid connection