The Project

Tip Top Bakery

Combined conventional glass panel & eArc lightweight solar solution for Australian food manufacturer

Tip Top Bakery, a leading name in the baking industry, has made a significant advancement toward sustainability by integrating a large-scale solar power system into its Chullora manufacturing facility. In response to growing environmental concerns and escalating energy costs, Tip Top Bakery aimed to implement sustainable energy solutions to power its facilities. The primary objectives were to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, achieve substantial energy cost savings, and establish a benchmark for sustainability in the food production sector.

 

The Project

The solar project at Tip Top Chullora Site was designed to harness renewable energy to reduce the company’s carbon footprint and operational costs. The installation combines two distinct types of solar technologies: conventional glass panels and Sunman eArc lightweight panels. With a combined installed capacity of 2,018 kW, this project stands as one of the largest solar power installations in the baking industry.

A comprehensive site assessment was conducted to determine the best locations for panel installation. Detailed plans were drawn up to ensure efficient use of space and resources.

The conventional glass solar panels with a total capacity of 1,174kW. The panels were installed on the roof of the main production facility, maximizing the use of available space and ensuring optimal sunlight exposure. The second part of the project utilized Sunman eArc lightweight solar panels, totalling 845kW. These innovative panels are lightweight, flexible, and easy to install, making them perfect for less conventional surfaces. The eArc panels were installed on curved roof and areas with weight constraints, augmenting the overall solar capacity without compromising structural integrity.

Top tier inverters and monitoring systems were installed to ensure optimal performance. Both systems were was integrated into Tip Top Chullora’s existing power infrastructure and subjected to rigorous testing to ensure optimal performance and safety.

 

Results and Impact

The solar power system at Tip Top Bakery Chullora is expected to generate approximately 2.5 million kWh of electricity annually, significantly reducing the bakery’s dependence on grid power. This transition is expected to result in a reduction of over 2,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions every year.

Sustainability Goals: The project supports Tip Top Bakery’s long-term sustainability goals, enhancing its reputation as an environmentally responsible company.

Operational Efficiency: The reduction in energy costs allows for reinvestment in other areas of the business, such as improving production processes and expanding product lines.

Employee and Community Engagement: The initiative has positively influenced employee morale and engagement. I also has positioned Tip Top as a leader in sustainable practices within the community, strengthening its brand image and customer loyalty.

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1174kWp Conventional + 845kWp Lightweight Solar System

Location

Chullora, NSW

System Capacity

2018.44 kWp

Solar Panel

Jinko & Sunman eArc

Inverter

Sungrow

Installation Date

Jul 2024