The Suffolk Food Hall go green!
Lanman Solar had the privilege of working with Oliver Paul, one of the directors at the Suffolk Food Hall, on a solar panel installation at Freston Fram, which is one of the farms that supplies the food hall.
Recognizing the strategic and financial benefits of solar energy, Oliver and his team decided to invest in a photovoltaic (PV) array and inverter from Lanman Solar.
Great for the finances and the environment
With rising energy costs and a commitment to sustainability, the installation was seen as both a sound business decision and a strong marketing asset. The solar array not only helps reduce operational costs but also supports the green credentials that align with the values of their customers. Additionally, a portion of the energy generated is used to power holiday lets on the property, further enhancing the site's sustainability efforts.
The installation consists of a 48-kilowatt PV array, which is split into two sections—one supplying power to the farmhouse and a couple of commercial tenants, and the other feeding the holiday lets. Over the past year, the system has performed exceptionally well, allowing Oliver to monitor its efficiency and environmental impact closely. The array is estimated to offset around one ton of carbon annually, which is equivalent to planting 40 to 50 trees.
Beyond the environmental benefits, the financial savings have been substantial. The system is currently saving approximately £4,500 per year, depending on the export arrangement in place at any given time. Looking ahead, the next step is to integrate a battery storage system, which would allow the farm to store excess energy and optimize nighttime consumption.
