Utilization of solar power plants in business objects is becoming an increasingly common practice of Lithuanian companies. Various enterprises operating in Kaunas FEZ decide on renewable energy resources driven by similar motives. It is not only about economic benefits but also, most importantly, about realizing a different attitude towards responsible, sustainable business, environment and world.
A solution to reduce air pollution is a gift for future generations
At the end of 2018, a solar power plant was set up on the roof of the Skubios siuntos warehouses. It is estimated that to this day, 368-module power plant of total 100kWp has already produced about 30 thousand kilowatt-hours of energy.
The power plant was installed by the company offering such solutions – Lietuvos energijos tiekimas – having evaluated the company’s electricity consumption profile, the available flat roof area and the possibilities of connecting to the electricity grid. The chosen solution fully utilizes the useful roof area, and the company itself consumes all the energy produced.
“The chosen financing model – leasing – does not increase electricity input and allows the solar power plant to be used without any initial investment. After the contract period ends, the assets and all the benefits will be transferred to us, so we will produce electricity for the remaining 15 years free of charge and will be independent of rising market prices” Vaidotas Lašas, head of Skubios siuntos, explains the financial appeal of such decision. He adds, „The large roof areas of our sorting warehouses and the growing demand for electricity in the field of transport have also been the motive for installing a solar power plant – we currently have 2 electric cars and one network-powered hybrid. The acquisition of all of them was also financially justified, especially in view of the planned residual value of polluting cars and possible changes in the regulation of car taxation.”
According to the head of the company, sustainability is an important part of UPS business so in addition to making the most of their transport economy, they also try to be interested in and apply latest technologies.
„The electric cars charged with electricity produced by the solar power plant do not pollute the air, so we can control the overall pollution of the company’s car park. It is necessary to look for solutions to reduce air pollution and CO2 emissions so that we could pass on our country and planet to future generations that could enjoy clean air,” V. Lašas says emphasizing that today most of the renewable energy solutions are not just noble but also financially useful. In the case of Skubios siuntos, the installation of a solar power plant did not require any initial investment, and today, the company pays less for electricity than before, when they did not have such power-station.
The investment will pay off in 5 years
„After all, we are manufacturers of insulating materials – our product is used to save energy in buildings, so naturally we want to be a comprehensive example for our customers, how to save energy or how to produce it using the cleanest methods,” Egidijus Sutkus head of Finnfoam says. The company has been operating in Kaunas FEZ since 2011.
Finnfoam, a manufacturer of foreign capital thermal insulation materials, constantly increasing its sales in Lithuanian and foreign markets, emphasizes that cost management is one of the most important factors in competing with other companies and the electricity consumption used in all production processes is a significant part of that.
The return of the solar power plant due to reduced prices for photovoltaic modules has become acceptable to the company, using the support of the European Union Structural Funds. According to E. Sutkus, the investment is expected to pay off within 5 years.
„We took the opportunity to effectively utilize up to 12,000 m2 of free space on the factory roof. In addition, the calculated most intensive solar power production coincides with our most active consumption – we use the most energy in the summer when the sun is at its peak,” the head of the plant explains the benefits of renewable energy solutions.
In July 2019, the solar power plant of 2000 solar photovoltaic modules – a total of 560 kWp – will be set up on the spacious roof of the factory. The power plant will be used to produce electricity to partially meet the inner needs of the company. The total value of the project is nearly 440 thousand euros.