Barfoots teams up with Plug Me In for solar power.
Barfoots, a UK vegetable producer, has taken a giant leap towards sustainability by installing a state-of-the-art solar energy system across its two operations sites in West Sussex. This move marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and embracing clean energy solutions.
The visionary initiative was brought to life in collaboration with clean energy technology solutions firm, Plug Me In. Over the span of two years, the team at Plug Me In meticulously designed and executed one of the UK’s largest SolarEdge solar installations to date, ensuring that Barfoots achieved energy independence while minimising any disruptions to its existing infrastructure.
By leveraging cutting-edge Meteocontrol technology, the solar energy system at Barfoots utilises advanced weather forecasting integration to optimise energy production based on real-time meteorological data. This meticulous approach guarantees that Barfoots maximises the potential of every ray of sunshine, generating an estimated 2,240 MWh of energy annually and reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 399 tonnes per year.
Furthermore, the financial implications of this sustainable investment are equally impressive. With the solar installation projected to pay for itself within just five years, Barfoots stands to reap substantial savings on energy costs while solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable agriculture.
Nick Lake, Group CFO of Barfoots, expressed his pride in the company’s dedication to sustainability, stating, “We have been energy independent since 2010, but the growth of our business necessitated a strategic shift towards sustainable energy solutions. This large-scale solar scheme reaffirms our commitment to remaining net exporters of power for years to come.”
Kim Ratcliffe, CEO of Plug Me In, echoed Lake’s sentiments, emphasising the importance of energy security and independence for businesses in the current climate. Ratcliffe commended Barfoots for their forward-thinking approach to environmental stewardship and urged other businesses to follow suit in embracing clean energy practices.
As the world continues to grapple with the realities of climate change, Barfoots serves as a shining example of how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand to create a brighter and greener future for all. The partnership between Barfoots and Plug Me In stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change towards a more sustainable world.
With a shared vision for a cleaner and greener future, Barfoots and Plug Me In are paving the way for a new era of sustainable agriculture, one solar panel at a time.
Image courtesy of Barfoots and Plug Me In