How Plug Me In is helping Barfoots Cultivate Sustainability through Solar

For some, business environmental stewardship and sustainability are not an afterthought but a business imperative. Already a net exporter of electricity, UK producer Barfoots is one such and has strengthened its sustainable commitments installing a huge state-of-the-art solar energy system across its two operations sites in West Sussex. A leading UK producer of sweetcorn and specialty vegetables - a business reliant on the land - it has placed sustainability at the forefront since its inception in 1976.

 

Spurred on by its simple philosophy, “look after the land like you are going to farm forever”, Barfoots appointed Plug Me In to deliver ongoing energy independence through one of the UK’s largest SolarEdge solar installations to date. 

 

Plug Me In, a market-leading clean energy technology solutions and financing provider, was the ideal partner for Barfoots’ ambitious energy project. As Barfoots’ energy demands have grown alongside its expansion and automation, the business strategy to remain energy independent was paramount, in line with its ongoing commitment to sustainability and protecting the business against variable energy prices.

 

The ambitious installation process was a two-year project, split over 2 sites: Sefter Farm and Leythorne. Plug Me In handled the meticulous design, planning, complex network approval, and handrail installation across the site, to ensure that the PV did not impact existing infrastructure. Given the scale and complexity of the project, Plug Me In brought its extensive expertise, in-house specialists and commitment to high-quality service, working alongside Barfoots project and engineering teams to make sure every detail was attended to.

 

The result is a premium, modern solar energy system that is as functional as it is innovative, and the resulting trailblazing project is one of the largest solar installs in the UK.

 

Technological Highlights

The solar energy system at Barfoots is nothing short of cutting-edge. Adding another layer of sophistication, the system is Meteocontrol-enabled, meaning it benefits from advanced weather forecasting integration. This allows the system to optimise energy production based on real-time meteorological data, ensuring that Barfoots gets the most out of every ray of sunshine.

 

Environmental and Financial Impact 

The benefits of this installation are as impressive as the technology itself. Between the two sites the solar energy system is projected to generate approximately 2,240 MWh of energy annually. In terms of environmental impact, the system will save approximately 399 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year. To put this into perspective, this is equivalent to planting 20,563 trees annually—a testament to the substantial positive impact that renewable energy can have on the environment. 

 

The benefits are not just environmental. Financially, the solar installation is set to pay for itself within just five years, thanks to the significant savings on energy costs. This rapid return on investment not only makes the project a sound financial decision but also underscores the viability of renewable energy solutions for businesses of all sizes.

 

A Commitment to the Future 

For Barfoots, this project is much more than just a cost-saving measure; it is a statement of their enduring commitment to sustainability. By harnessing the power of the sun, they are ensuring that their operations are not only more eco-friendly but also more resilient in the face of future challenges, whether they be rising energy costs or increasing regulatory pressures. 

 

In appointing Plug Me In, Barfoots has taken a significant step towards ensuring their energy future remains fully independent while staying true to the principles that have guided them since their first farm. This solar installation is a shining example of how businesses can embrace innovation to safeguard the environment, reduce operational costs, and, ultimately, cultivate a more sustainable future for all. As the sun continues to rise over Barfoots’ fields, it now powers not just the growth of their crops but also the future of their business—a future that looks brighter, greener, and more sustainable than ever before.

 

Of the project, Nick Lake, Group CFO of Barfoots comments:

“Barfoots Group is already renowned for its approach to sustainability in every aspect of how it conducts its business, not just from energy production but from its farming methods, water treatment and reuse and land stewardship. We have been energy independent since 2010 due to the installation of our AD plant but due to the success and expansion of the business since then it was apparent we would soon need to begin to import some of our power requirements. As a result the Board approved this large scale solar scheme to ensure we remain net exporters of power long into the future. We are very proud of the finished product and our partnership with Plug Me In and hope to work with them on other solar installations elsewhere in the near future.” 

 

Kim Ratcliffe, MD of Plug Me In adds:

“With energy security and independence increasingly at the fore for businesses, we were delighted to be able to support Barfoots every step of the way on this journey to a more secure and affordable energy future. As a business reliant on the land, they see first hand the impact of changing climates. We hope their ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and the future of our planet will show the business benefits clean energy offers, and pave the way for other businesses.

 

Key Takeaways:

Client: Barfoots 

Clean Energy Specialist: Plug Me In

Emissions that will be saved: CO2 emissions saved (annually) approximately 399 tonnes – the equivalent trees planted 20,563 (annually). 

Financial benefit: Paying the customer back within 5 years. 

Spec of the install: x 5464 435wp NType Panels and SolarEdge Inverters, 2746 S1000 Optimisers. 

Power that will be generated: Annual energy production approximately 2240 MWh. 

Term: 2-year project including design, planning, network approval, installing new Eaton LV boards and overall installation.

 

www.barfoots.com