Saturday 4 October 2014

What’s the pig idea for Morrisons supplier? Solar

A Lincolnshire farming company that produces 14,000 pigs a year for Morrisons supermarket has plumped for solar power to keep its piggies warm.

Patrick Dean Ltd wanted to lower the energy costs of its 570 sow unit.

Two new solar PV systems on the rooftop and a third on the ground should generate 170,000kWh and save 90 tonnes of carbon per year.

Alastair Priestley, Managing Director of the farming firm said: “The pressure of constantly rising energy prices motivated us to look at alternative options that would help reduce the business’ costs and, with it, risk.

“The solar project offered a sound financial investment which will significantly bring down our energy bills whilst reducing our exposure to market fluctuations.”

Patrick Dean expects a seven year payback from the combined 200kWp installations and a 13% return on investment.

Stephen Davies, Director of TGE Group which installed the panels added: “It’s important to select the right renewables for the job and to ensure that the systems are effectively monitored to maintain performance.”