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the benefits of solar for the industrial sector.
The importance of solar energy for industry lies in its ability to help reduce energy costs, increase sustainability efforts, and improve the company's bottom line. By investing in industrial solar rooftop solutions, ZEN Energy delivers customized, state-of-the-art technology taking advantage of unused rooftop space to generate renewable energy.
Solar also reduces dependence on grid electricity and helps to future-proof the company against rising energy prices and potential supply disruptions. It provides a level of resilience and continuity that can be particularly important for industries with critical infrastructure or operations that rely on uninterrupted power supply. Additionally, by using solar energy, companies can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, which are subject to price volatility and supply chain disruptions, and promote energy security and stability.
Solar energy provides a sustainable solution to help your company meet its environmental commitments and reduce its carbon footprint. ZEN Energy can ensure your solar energy system is efficient, reliable, and requires minimal maintenance, enabling your company to focus on its core business operations while benefiting from the long-term return on investment that solar energy provides.
solar for industry case study
One of the leading wood processors in New Zealand goes solar!
39.6kW Commercial Solar Energy System
Installed in December 2018
51,000kWh Generated
Leading to $7,700 worth of savings per year.
“First and foremost ZEN provided a system which met our needs – substantially reducing our power bill and carbon footprint and at our budget. But we were also impressed with their regular communication, consistently following up and keeping us fully informed throughout the process – even helping us secure a better deal on our power!” —Leyton Dowman, Managing Director, Jalco Ltd
About the project
Jalco Ltd is a leading wood processor in the BoP region. Managing Director Leyton Dowman had an off-grid system at home and so already knew the benefits of rooftop solar. Wood processing is an electricity intensive industry and Leyton came to ZEN Energy Systems seeking a cost-effective rooftop solar power (PV) system to offset its high power bills and reduce their carbon emissions to improve their environmental sustainability.
“Lowering our environmental impact was as important to us as lower power bills. ZEN’s system has delivered on both of these goals.”
How ZEN helped
ZEN conducted site visits and detailed analysis of Jalco’s electricity consumption patterns across each day over the whole calendar year. It matched this usage with the solar generation forecasts of ZEN’s solar design software to ensure a system size which was optimised for Jalco’s exact needs. Additionally, ZEN was able to use its relationships with power retailers to lower Jalco’s ‘grid’ rate and create further savings!
Highlights
New Zealand’s 1st solar powered wood processor
5.0 c/kWh equivalent over 25 years
Carbon emissions reduction of 6.2 tonnes p.a. Source: Ecotricity.co.nz Emissions Calculator
Panels warranted to perform at 85% of day one efficiency after 25 years.
Reinvent How
You Do Power
Talk to our team and get solar for your business
frequently asked questions
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How can a solar energy system benefit my business in terms of cost savings?
Installing a solar energy system can benefit your business in terms of cost savings in several ways. Firstly, solar energy systems generate electricity from sunlight, which is a free and renewable resource. This means that once the initial installation cost is paid off, the electricity generated by the system is essentially free. By reducing your reliance on grid electricity, you can significantly reduce your monthly energy bills.
Additionally, often financial incentives and tax credits are available to businesses that invest in solar energy systems. These incentives can help offset the initial cost of installation, making solar energy systems more affordable and accessible for businesses of all sizes.
In some cases, businesses may even be able to generate revenue by selling excess solar energy back to the grid. This can provide an additional source of income and help offset the initial investment cost of the solar energy system.
Overall, a solar energy system can provide significant cost savings for businesses, both in terms of reducing monthly energy bills and taking advantage of financial incentives and potential revenue streams.
Will a solar energy system work for my specific type of industry or business?
In general, a solar energy system can work for many different types of industries and businesses. As long as your business has a roof or ground space with access to sunlight, you can likely benefit from a solar energy system.
The specific design of your solar energy system will depend on your energy needs, available space, and other factors specific to your business. For example, a manufacturing facility with a high energy demand may require a larger solar energy system than a smaller retail store.
In addition to rooftop solar panels, ground-mounted solar panels, carport solar panels, and other types of solar installations can be customised to meet the specific needs of your business.
In some cases, a solar energy system may not be the most efficient option for your business, depending on your energy needs and available space. However, a solar energy expert, like ZEN Energy, can help you determine the most suitable renewable energy options for your specific industry and business.
Overall, a solar energy system can be a highly effective and efficient way to power your business, regardless of the specific industry or business type.
What kind of maintenance is required for a solar energy system, and how often does it need to be done?
Solar energy systems require minimal maintenance compared to other forms of energy generation. However, there are a few maintenance tasks that should be performed regularly to ensure the system remains in optimal condition.
The most important maintenance task is keeping the solar panels clean and free of debris. This can be done by hosing down the panels or using a soft-bristled brush to remove any accumulated dirt or debris. How often the panels need to be cleaned will depend on local weather conditions and other factors, but a general guideline is to clean the panels once or twice a year.
In addition to cleaning, it's also important to regularly inspect the solar panels and the system's components for any signs of wear or damage. This includes checking the wiring, inverters, and other components for any signs of corrosion or other issues. Regular inspections can help identify and address any potential problems before they cause more significant damage or impact system performance.
Finally, it's recommended that solar energy systems be inspected by a professional installer or technician, like ZEN Energy, at least once a year to ensure that the system is functioning optimally and to identify any potential issues that may require attention.
Overall, while solar energy systems require minimal maintenance, it's important to perform regular cleaning and inspections to ensure optimal performance and longevity. A professional solar energy installer or technician can provide guidance on the specific maintenance tasks that are required for your solar energy system.
How reliable is solar energy, and can it provide consistent power for my business needs?
Solar energy is a highly reliable source of energy that can provide consistent power for your business needs, provided that the system is designed and installed properly.
While solar energy production can be impacted by factors such as cloud cover, storms, and shorter daylight hours, modern solar energy systems are designed to capture and store excess energy during periods of high production. This stored energy can then be used to supplement energy production during periods of lower solar energy production, helping to ensure that the system can provide consistent power for your business needs.
In addition, solar energy systems can be integrated with backup generators and energy storage systems to provide an even more reliable source of energy for your business. This can be especially important for industries and businesses that have critical energy needs and cannot afford any interruptions to their power supply.
Overall, solar energy is a highly reliable and consistent source of energy that can be customised to meet the specific energy needs of your business. By working with a professional solar energy consultant or installer, like ZEN Energy, you can design and install a solar energy system that is tailored to your specific energy needs and reliability requirements.
How does a solar energy system integrate with my existing energy infrastructure?
A solar energy system can be designed and integrated with your existing energy infrastructure to provide a seamless and efficient source of renewable energy for your business.
Most solar energy systems are designed to be connected to the electrical grid, which allows excess energy generated by the system to be sold back to the grid or stored for later use. This integration typically involves the installation of a special meter that measures the amount of energy produced by the solar energy system and the amount of energy consumed by your business.
In addition, solar energy systems can be integrated with backup generators and energy storage systems to provide an even more reliable source of energy for your business. These systems can work together to provide power during periods of high energy demand or when the solar energy system is not producing enough energy to meet your business needs.
The specific integration requirements for your solar energy system will depend on your existing energy infrastructure and the specific needs of your business. It's recommended that you work with a professional solar energy consultant or installer, like ZEN Energy, to ensure that your solar energy system is properly integrated with your existing infrastructure for optimal performance and efficiency.
What is the typical payback period for a solar energy system, and how long does it take to recoup the initial investment?
The payback period for a solar energy system can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the system, the cost of electricity in your area, and the available financial incentives.
In general, most solar energy systems for businesses have a payback period of between 5-10 years. This means that the initial investment required for the solar energy system is recouped within this time frame through energy savings and other financial incentives.
After the payback period has been reached, the solar energy system continues to provide significant cost savings and potential revenue streams for your business. In some cases, businesses may even be able to generate revenue by selling excess solar energy back to the grid or by taking advantage of other financial incentives for renewable energy production.
It's important to note that the specific payback period for your solar energy system will depend on your specific energy needs, available space, and other factors unique to your business. Working with a professional solar energy consultant or installer can help you determine the most efficient and cost-effective solar energy system for your business and estimate the payback period for your investment.
How does solar energy impact the environment and my business's sustainability efforts?
Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source that has a positive impact on the environment and can support your business's sustainability efforts.
Compared to traditional fossil fuels, solar energy production has a significantly lower carbon footprint and does not emit harmful pollutants or greenhouse gases. By investing in solar energy, your business can significantly reduce its carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
In addition, solar energy can also provide your business with a competitive advantage by demonstrating your commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Many consumers and investors are increasingly prioritising sustainability and environmentally responsible practices when making purchasing decisions, and investing in solar energy can help your business stand out in a crowded market.
Overall, solar energy has a significant positive impact on the environment and can help support your business's sustainability efforts by reducing carbon emissions, conserving natural resources, and demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. By investing in solar energy, your business can benefit from both environmental and economic advantages while contributing to a more sustainable future.
What size solar energy system will my company need?
Determining the appropriate size of a solar energy system for your company will depend on several factors, including your energy consumption, available roof or ground space for solar panel installation, and other specific needs of your business.
To determine the appropriate size of your solar energy system, a professional solar energy consultant or installer will typically conduct a thorough assessment of your energy needs and available space for installation. This assessment may include reviewing your energy bills, conducting an energy audit, and evaluating your available roof or ground space for solar panel installation.
Based on this assessment, the solar energy consultant can provide recommendations for the size and type of solar energy system that would best meet the specific energy needs of your business. Factors that may impact the size of the system include the amount of energy you consume during peak hours, the availability of sunlight in your region, and any local regulations or incentives for solar energy production.
It's important to note that while larger solar energy systems can generate more energy and potentially provide greater cost savings over time, the size of your solar energy system will ultimately depend on your specific energy needs and available space. By working with a professional solar energy consultant or installer, like ZEN Energy, you can ensure that your solar energy system is customised to meet the specific needs of your business and provide optimal performance and cost savings.
Why go solar now? Won't the technology be cheaper in the future and wait until the price drops?
While it's true that solar energy technology is likely to become more affordable in the future, there are several reasons why it makes sense to invest in solar energy now rather than waiting for prices to drop.
Firstly, the financial incentives and tax credits available for solar energy production are currently at their highest levels and may not be available in the future. By investing in solar energy now, you can take advantage of these financial incentives and offset the initial cost of installation.
Secondly, delaying the installation of a solar energy system means that you will continue to pay higher monthly energy bills and be exposed to the risks of volatile energy prices. By investing in solar energy now, you can significantly reduce your monthly energy bills and lock in a predictable energy cost for the life of your solar energy system.
Finally, investing in solar energy now allows you to start realising the benefits of clean and renewable energy for your business today, rather than waiting for the technology to become more affordable in the future. By investing in solar energy, you can demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, and enjoy the many benefits of clean and renewable energy, such as lower carbon emissions and improved energy independence.
Overall, while solar energy technology is likely to become more affordable in the future, there are several compelling reasons to invest in solar energy now, including the availability of financial incentives and tax credits, the opportunity to reduce monthly energy bills, and the many environmental and economic benefits of clean and renewable energy.
How can energy storage help an industrial solar system create more savings?
Energy storage can help industrial solar systems create more savings by enabling businesses to capture excess solar energy and use it when energy demand is highest or when solar energy production is low.
During periods of high solar energy production, excess energy generated by the solar panels can be stored in energy storage systems, such as batteries or other energy storage devices. This stored energy can then be used to supplement energy production during periods of lower solar energy production or high energy demand, reducing the need to purchase energy from the grid.
By reducing the amount of energy purchased from the grid during periods of high demand, businesses can avoid peak demand charges and other fees associated with high energy consumption. Additionally, energy storage systems can help businesses maximise the value of their solar energy production by enabling them to sell excess energy back to the grid when prices are high.
Overall, energy storage can help industrial solar systems create more savings by increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of solar energy production and reducing the need to purchase energy from the grid during periods of high demand. By working with a professional solar energy consultant or installer, businesses can determine the most appropriate energy storage solutions to meet their specific energy needs and maximize their cost savings.