Why Food & Beverage Manufacturers Are Using Solar Panels for Sustainability

Food and beverage manufacturing is an energy-intensive industry that commonly relies on electricity and fossil fuels as their energy source. With the pressure to reach net zero emissions by the year 2050, it comes as no surprise that many operations are looking to move towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly systems. But why are solar panels sustainable for food manufacturers? Let’s take a look at some of the main reasons solar PV installations are chosen by food manufacturers.

Why Are Solar Panels Sustainable for Food Manufacturing?

Solar Energy is a Renewable Energy Source

The main reason why solar PV installations are chosen by food and beverage manufacturers is because solar energy is an easily accessible renewable source of energy. Why are solar panels sustainable? They only require daylight – not just sunlight – and, when this light is absorbed, it creates an electric field across the silicon to generate electricity. It’s as simple as that!

Food manufacturers commonly have large spaces available for solar installations; with options for roof-mounted solar PV on their facility roofs or ground-mounted solar PV on the surrounding agricultural land. Also, solar panels are easily scalable according to specific needs, whether expanding or reducing the installation is required.

Plus, with less dependency on using the grid and with easy access to a clean and efficient energy resource, this is a great way to become more sustainable. The efficiency extends to the fact that with less reliance on the grid, there is less risk of experiencing blackouts and downtime. Therefore, it is a reliable and consistent source of renewable energy.

Solar Panels Reduce Energy Costs

By using solar energy as a primary energy source instead of grid electricity and fossil fuels, not only will carbon footprints be reduced, but so will energy bills. Although purchasing and installing solar panels is an initial expense which can be daunting against tight profit margins, it is cost-effective in the long run with good returns on investment generally expected within four years. 

Some of our customers have used financial solutions such as Asset Finance or Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) to remove the necessity for capital expenditure, leaving the cash available within the business.

The increase in energy bills in recent years has been staggering, however solar PV installation provides more stability against market volatility. This enables businesses to stay on top of their expenses, ensure accurate financial projections, control their energy usage and increase profitability as well as sustainability.

Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability

Leading on from profitability, if food manufacturers adopt solar energy as their main energy source, this will showcase their social responsibility to their clients. Both current and potential clients will appreciate their commitment to sustainability as this has become a huge factor in supply chain considerations.

When you take a look at a company’s sustainability practices, scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions are worthy of closer inspection. These are defined as:

• Scope 1:  Emissions that an organisation owns or controls directly.
• Scope 2: Emissions that an organisation causes indirectly; where the energy they purchase and use comes from.
• Scope 3: Emissions that are produced up and down the value chain, not by the organisation itself.

By making this environmental commitment with solar panels, food manufacturers can ensure that they are reducing every scope. This is extremely appealing to both consumers and other members of the supply chain, therefore enhancing their reputation as well as their financial success.

Are you looking for solar panels for your food or beverage manufacturing facility? At Noble Green Energy, we have helped a number of commercial and industrial businesses with their solar PV installation requirements. We empower businesses to optimise their energy consumption while minimising their environmental impact.

Get in touch with us today to find out more.

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