An apple storage company in Kent is hoping 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 believes it has sown the seeds of future business growth with its cutting-edge installation, completed through Renewable Energy Investments (REI).
AGA - a co-operative which provides storage for apple and pear growers before the fruit is sent exclusively to Tesco stores - will even enjoy zero carbon electricity from REI, which will operate, maintain and manage the system for AGA for 20 years before AGA takes complete ownership of the system.
With some 193,000 kWh produced annually, the PV installation will meet 22 per cent of AGA’s 894,000 kWh energy use every year.
AGA manager Carl Wildish, 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.”
AGA stores 7,500 bins of apples and pears, with each bin containing some 300 kilos of fruit, on behalf of its 10 members.
Working with its marketing agency, The Society of Growers of Topfruit (SGT), AGA handles some 2,200 tonnes of apples and pears every year.
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