Garador Installs Solar Panels
Released On 27th Oct 2023
In June 2022, the company decided to undertake a feasibility study to assess the viability of installing solar panels on the roof of their Yeovil manufacturing plant. After considering various renewable options, each with their own advantages and drawbacks, solar panels were selected as the most practical and cost-effective method for generating electricity.
With the shift towards green energy decided upon, the company then examined costs and potential suppliers for the project. Additionally, an assessment of the roof's structural integrity was conducted to ensure it could support the solar panels, considering the substantial weight and pressure they would exert on the building. The manufacturing plant, constructed in 1984 and opened the following year, remained in excellent condition thanks to diligent and conscientious maintenance engineers who had regularly cared for the roof and building structure.
The installed solar panels would contribute to powering all production equipment in the factory, reducing the reliance on fossil fuel-based energy and minimizing pollution. On September 28, 2023, the company successfully produced it's first garage door using renewable energy generated from the solar panels. While it was challenging to precisely determine the percentage of energy supplied by the solar panels at this early stage, it appeared that they would provide over half of the required power during the summer and a substantial amount during the winter. The solar panel system was projected to generate more than 700,000 kWh of clean electricity annually, resulting in significant cost savings on energy bills and a reduction of over 300 tonnes of CO2 emissions. This accomplishment marked a significant milestone.
The company expressed its commitment to environmental responsibility and considered the introduction of solar panels as a pivotal step in this direction. They hinted at the possibility of more green initiatives in the months and years to come, urging stakeholders to stay tuned for further developments.
