Forres-based Maclean’s Highland Bakery and AES Solar team up on solar panels project
A bakers is set to save more than 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year thanks to another local firm’s work.
AES Solar has installed 192 solar panels on the roof of Maclean’s Highland Bakery, West Road on the Greshop Industrial Estate.
The new photovoltaic (PV) system will generate 65,000 kWh annually, saving 12.61 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year - the equivalent energy needed to bake over half a million biscuits.
Newly appointed operations director, Garry Maclean, confirmed Maclean’s has been working towards net zero, initially starting out with simple steps to save energy and reduce waste, continuing to introduce sustainable measures to reduce environmental impact.
He said: “This installation is an important step in our Net Zero plan. Not only will the solar panels significantly reduce our environmental impact, they will also enable us to cut our outgoings by generating onsite energy to power our ovens.”
AES Solar director, Jamie Di Sotto, said the company is delighted to play a part in Maclean’s transition.
He added: “With energy costs continuing to rise, solar remains one of the most effective ways of reducing the overheads associated with running commercial buildings. The north of Scotland in particular faces several grid limitations, impacting the ability for local businesses to decarbonise their operations and reduce energy costs.
“AES warmly welcomes SSEN’s recent decision to increase the upper limit for renewable connections in the north of Scotland from 50kW to 200kW, allowing more businesses in the area to connect to the grid quicker and without extra costs.”