We’ve written before about solar panels for Government and Council Facilities and solar panels for data centres, and we’re continuing our series on the benefits of solar for business, turning our focus to food and cold storage facilities.
Call us Get a solar quote for your cold storage facility
Food and cold storage have significant energy demands and energy efficiency challenges. They often have outdated insulation, inefficient refrigeration systems, and inadequate sealing. These issues result in heat leakage and temperature fluctuations, requiring more energy to maintain desired cold temperatures.
A combination of energy-efficiency improvements and renewable energy can transform a high-carbon-emitting facility into an efficient, sustainable one.
As solar experts we wanted to showcase what makes this industry such an energy guzzler and how solar energy could benefit food and cold storage, specifically.
Did you know:
“…cold storage facilities, 60–70% of the electrical energy may be used for refrigeration. Therefore, cold store users have considerable incentive to reduce energy consumption.” (source)
Cold storage facilities allocate most of their energy consumption for cooling the facility. And, we live in a country that can get pretty bloody hot. This means, they end up spending considerable resource keeping their facility cool, fighting against the natural climate of Australia – which is only getting hotter, thanks to climate change.
This is where solar panels can come in and help a cold storage business.
Let’s take a look…
Energy Challenges for Cold Storage Facilities
Cold storage facilities face challenges such as temperature control, energy efficiency, inventory management, and regulatory compliance. These factors can impact the quality and safety of stored goods.
With poor energy-efficiency, a business could be throwing good money after bad. If your facility is leaking cold air due to poor insulation, then a switch to solar energy is papering over the cracks. An ideal solution is to pair solar energy with energy efficiency upgrades, such as:
- Upgrading insulation
- modernising equipment
- improving building sealing
Maintaining low temperatures requires significant energy consumption, leading to high operational costs. Finding ways to optimise insulation, equipment efficiency, and cooling systems can help reduce energy usage and minimise expenses. While installing a solar energy system will enhance these improvements and future-proof your business.
Call us Get a solar quote for your cold storage facility
What are the Benefits of Solar Panels for Food & Cold Storage Facilities?
Solar panels generate the most energy during the sunniest, and hottest, parts of the day (2-4pm). This coincides with when your fridges or cold storage will work their hardest to maintain cold temperatures against the heat. This means solar energy is the perfect solution to minimise your energy bills and reduce your greenhouse gas emissions.
Even better, solar energy systems can be scalable and reliable:
Scalable: as your business grows, so can your solar energy system. You can invest in a future-proof system that can be increased over time.
Reliable: After installation, with regular maintenance, little investment or resources are required to generate consistent and long-term solar energy.
What Financial Incentives are Available for Food & Cold Storage Facilities?
Like other businesses across Victoria, food and cold storage facilities are eligible for STCs and LGCs to reduce the financial costs of solar energy investment. If you’re managing a food and cold storage facility, the size of your property and how you’ll utilise solar energy will help assess which scheme suits you.
Energy Makeovers can help you assess which option would benefit your business.
What about Battery storage for Food & Cold Storage Facilities?
Solar battery storage can be beneficial for cold storage facilities. It allows them to harness renewable energy from the sun and store excess electricity for later use. This can help offset energy costs and reduce reliance on the grid during peak demand times, contributing to cost savings and improved sustainability.
The cost of solar battery storage systems has decreased over time, making them a more affordable option for businesses, including cold storage facilities. This further enhances the economic viability of integrating renewable energy solutions into their operations.
Call us Get a solar quote for your cold storage facility
Highlights
What are the Benefits of Solar Panels for Food & Cold Storage Facilities?
Cold storage solutions demand the most energy at the hottest time of the day, which coincides with peak sunshine hours. Therefore, solar energy is the perfect solution.
What Financial Incentives are Available for Food & Cold Storage Facilities?
STCs and LGCs to reduce the financial costs of solar energy investment. If you’re managing a food and cold storage facility, the size of your property and how you’ll utilise solar energy will need to be assessed in order to decide which scheme is right for you.
Can Food & Cold Storage Facilities benefit from solar batteries?
Yes. It allows them to harness renewable energy from the sun and store excess electricity for later use. This can help offset energy costs and reduce reliance on the grid during peak demand times, contributing to both cost savings and improved sustainability.
