Hello, solar enthusiasts, and welcome back to my blog! Today, I have an incredibly insightful case study to share with you on how one company is utilizing an on-site solar microgrid to significantly reduce their operational costs and bolster their energy reliability. As an ardent advocate for sustainable technology, I believe it’s crucial to highlight these stories.
In the radiant state of California, eye contact lens manufacturer, Staar Surgical, has embraced the power of solar by installing a 1.1 MW rooftop solar microgrid. With this energy-efficient move, the company is expected to enjoy $325,000 in annual electricity bill savings. It’s a glaring example of how opting for solar panels for your home, or in this case, your facility, can have significant financial benefits.
The solar array for home use or industrial purposes not only reduces the bills but also offers a shield of resilience in times when there’s an issue with the central utility grid. This stability is essential for industries that cannot afford power disruptions, like the precision-demanding process of manufacturing contact lenses.
Staar Surgical’s solar microgrid system was conceived and brought into reality by solar contractor ReVamp Energy. They not only installed but also designed the microgrid powered by a 780kW rooftop array, facilitated by SolarEdge’s DC-optimized inverters. An additional component of the system, a 450kW battery, stores excess solar production for later use. The battery provides between eight and 24 hours of backup power, depending on the facility’s load requirements.
At the heart of this successful installation is a custom-made switchgear designed by ReVamp Energy. In an event of a power outage, the switchgear would automate the site’s energy supply shift to backup power, solidifying production continuity.
The system also features an intelligent interface — the SolarEdge monitoring platform — granting real-time insights into essential parameters like solar energy production, consumption, and battery energy levels. This technological sophistication is why more solar companies should strive to incorporate similar facilities in their designs.
This seamless blend of efficiency, resilience, and intelligence in a single solar power solution brings a unique perspective to the table. It showcases how solar can holistically cater to distinct energy requirements.
In conclusion, tales such as these from the solar company world serve as beacons of hope that more industries will follow suit. By fostering a better understanding and celebrating the advantages of solar technology, it reinforces the potential of solar panels for your home or business. It also offers a glimpse into the future of energy security and sustainability that other solar companies can emulate.
Think about it: if a solar array can provide such resilience for a precision-demanding industry like lens manufacturing, imagine what it could do for your home or business. That’s food for thought till our next rendezvous on this solar exploration journey.
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/01/04/contact-lens-manufacturer-safeguards-operations-with-rooftop-solar/
