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Oct 18, 2024

Barfoots partners with Plug Me In for solar

UK vegetable producer Barfoots has installed a solar energy system across its two operations sites in West Sussex. Barfoots appointed clean energy technology solutions firm Plug Me In to deliver

UK vegetable producer Barfoots has installed a solar energy system across its two operations sites in West Sussex.

Barfoots appointed clean energy technology solutions firm Plug Me In to deliver ongoing energy independence through one of the UK’s largest SolarEdge solar installations to date.

The process was a two-year project, split over 2 sites, with Plug Me In handling the design, planning, network approval, and handrail installation, ensuring PV did not impact existing infrastructure.

Plug Me In brought its expertise and in-house specialists to work alongside Barfoots project and engineering teams.

The solar energy system at Barfoots is Meteocontrol-enabled, meaning it benefits from advanced weather forecasting integration. This allows the system to optimise energy production based on real-time meteorological data, ensuring that Barfoots gets the most out of every ray of sunshine

Between the two sites the solar energy system is projected to generate approximately 2,240 MWh of energy annually. In terms of environmental impact, the system will save approximately 399 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.

The solar installation is set to pay for itself within just five years, thanks to the significant savings on energy costs.

Nick Lake, Group CFO of Barfoots, said:

“Barfoots Group is already renowned for its approach to sustainability in every aspect of how it conducts its business, not just from energy production but from its farming methods, water treatment and reuse and land stewardship. We have been energy independent since 2010 due to the installation of our AD plant but due to the success and expansion of the business since then it was apparent we would soon need to begin to import some of our power requirements.

“As a result the Board approved this large scale solar scheme to ensure we remain net exporters of power long into the future. We are very proud of the finished product and our partnership with Plug Me In and hope to work with them on other solar installations elsewhere in the near future.”

Kim Ratcliffe, CEO of Plug Me In, said:

“With energy security and independence increasingly at the fore for businesses, we were delighted to be able to support Barfoots every step of the way on this journey to a more secure and affordable energy future.

“As a business reliant on the land, they see first hand the impact of changing climates. We hope their ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and the future of our planet will show the business benefits clean energy offers, and pave the way for other businesses.”

Image courtesy of Barfoots and Plug Me In