Chicken Processing Facility Case Study:
Off-Grid Solar
and Battery System for
Energy Independence
Introduction
In a groundbreaking move for the poultry industry, a chicken processing facility located in a remote area of Belize has adopted an advanced off-grid solar energy system to operate completely independent of the traditional power grid. This initiative, driven by Sol-Ark’s technology, provides the facility with a cost-effective and sustainable energy solution in an area where grid connection is prohibitively expensive. The system not only supports the facility’s operations but also marks a significant step towards energy independence and environmental responsibility.
The Story of Sol-Ark and the Chicken Processing Facility
Sol-Ark’s innovative technology has been at the forefront of providing reliable off-grid energy solutions for commercial operations. When this remote chicken processing facility in Belize sought a power solution that could operate independently of the grid, Sol-Ark’s advanced inverters and battery systems were selected to meet the challenge. The facility required a robust, efficient power setup to manage the energy demands of large-scale poultry processing while maintaining resilience against potential disruptions. The installation of twelve Sol-Ark 15K inverters, coupled with a 148-kW solar array and a 240-kWh lithium battery storage system, provided the ideal solution.
The Challenge of Operating Off-Grid in Remote Locations
The chicken processing facility faced several key challenges in implementing a renewable energy solution:
Prohibitive Grid Connection Costs: Due to the remote location, extending utility lines to the facility was not feasible, making an off-grid power solution necessary.
Continuous Energy Demand: The facility required a reliable and continuous power supply to operate the equipment essential for poultry processing.
Resilience Against Disruptions: Ensuring the facility could continue operations during any potential power interruptions was crucial, making a backup generator a critical component.
Why the Chicken Processing Facility Chose Sol-Ark
To address these challenges, the facility chose Sol-Ark’s advanced 15K inverters and energy storage system. Sol-Ark was selected for its:
Reliable Off-Grid Design: The 12 Sol-Ark 15K inverters, paired with a 240-kWh lithium battery storage system, provided the robust and efficient power needed to run the facility off-grid.
Cost-Effective and Sustainable Solution: By avoiding the high costs of grid connection, the facility significantly reduced its operational expenses, while the solar system helped lower its environmental impact.
Resilient Backup Power: The inclusion of a diesel generator ensured additional resilience, providing backup power in case of any disruptions to the solar system.
The Solution - How Sol-Ark Delivered
The collaboration between Sol-Ark and the chicken processing facility resulted in a comprehensive energy solution that fully met the facility’s off-grid needs:
System Configuration:
Solar Array: 148 kW PVdc solar panels installed to generate sufficient energy to power the facility.
Energy Storage: 240 kWh of lithium battery storage to provide continuous power during the night and on cloudy days.
Backup Generator: A diesel generator to ensure resilience and uninterrupted operations.
Cost Savings and Sustainability:
Grid Independence: The facility avoided the substantial costs associated with extending utility lines to their remote location, saving on both initial setup and long-term energy expenses.
Environmental Impact: By transitioning to solar power, the facility significantly reduced its carbon footprint, supporting its goals of operating more sustainably.
Operational Resilience:
Uninterrupted Power Supply: The combination of solar energy, battery storage, and a backup generator ensured the facility maintained continuous operations, even in challenging conditions.
The Results
The chicken processing facility’s off-grid solar energy system has set a new standard for commercial operations in remote areas, demonstrating the power of renewable energy to drive both sustainability and cost-efficiency:
Energy Independence: The facility now operates completely off-grid, showcasing how large-scale commercial operations can achieve energy independence through renewable solutions.
Reduced Environmental Impact: The solar energy system dramatically cut the facility’s reliance on traditional energy sources, reducing emissions and supporting environmental stewardship.
Cost Savings: By eliminating the need for grid connection, the facility significantly reduced its operational costs, reinforcing the financial viability of renewable energy in commercial settings.
The project highlights Sol-Ark’s leadership in delivering reliable, efficient off-grid solar solutions for commercial businesses. It serves as an inspiring example for industries looking to transition away from conventional energy sources and embrace cleaner, more sustainable operations. Powered by Sol-Ark’s technology, the facility not only operates more sustainably but also serves as a model for the future of energy independence in industrial applications.
