An apple storage company in Kent is set to reap the fruits of its labours with nearly 800 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on its roof.
The Apple Growers Association (AGA) in Tunbridge Wells has sown the seeds of future business growth with the installation through Renewable Energy Investments (REI).
Renewable energy investor and developer REI arranged for the 199.5 kWp system to be fitted under its innovative Forward Power Purchase Agreement (FPPA).
Under this scheme REI funded the installation of the solar PV system for AGA, who themselves made a one-off payment which enabled them to forward purchase 100% free solar electricity for the lifetime of the system.
AGA – a co-operative which provides storage for apple and pear growers before the fruit is sent exclusively to Tesco – will enjoy zero carbon electricity from REI who will operate, maintain and manage the system for AGA for 20 years before AGA take complete ownership of the system.
With some 193,000 kWh produced annually, the PV installation will meet 22% of AGA’s 894,000 kWh energy use every year – saving some 86.4 tonnes of CO2e from entering the atmosphere.
Manager Carl Wildish, who works at the site with managing director David Formby and storage assistant Andy Giles, said: “The system is exactly what we needed as it gives us a rare opportunity to save on one of our major costs.
“Our stores are running constantly and our electricity bills can reach up to £80,000 a year. The new panels will meet a significant percentage of our daily use and make our operations much more economical.
“The installation was very straightforward. REI and the installation partner Igloo Solar were very professional and a pleasure to work with.”
The panels were fitted on the roof of the main building and three stores. AGA stores 7,500 bins of apples and pears, with each bin containing some 300 kilos of fruit, on behalf of its 10 members.
Toby Smith, projects director at REI, said: “As befitting a company in the ‘Garden of England’, it is good to see the Apple Growers’ Association plant the seeds of their own future growth.
“Under our FPPA scheme, AGA have bought their next 20 years of solar generated electricity for under two pence per unit.
“Our funding scheme is becoming more in demand as businesses see the financial advantages as well as the opportunities to enhance their own green credentials.”
Working with its marketing agency, The Society of Growers of Topfruit (SGT), AGA handles some 2,200 tonnes of apples and pears every year.
Carl said: “We supply exclusively to Tesco. The most popular apple seems to be the Gala although Cox’s, Braeburn and Bramley are also popular.”
Solar panels convert daylight into electricity.
