Customer | Nugelato | ||
Industry | Ice Cream Boutique and Production | ||
Level of Self-sufficiency post Solarfix Installation | High during peak hours for shop and factory; significant for the home | ||
| |||
| Shop | Factory | Home |
System Size | 8kW | 8kW | 5.6kW |
No. of Panels | 20 | 20 | 14 |
No. of Inverters | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Carbon Savings Annually | 1,150kg | 1,357kg | 616kg |
Carbon Saved within Panel Warranty (25 years): | 28,750kg | 33,925kg | 15,400kg |
First Year Financial Savings | Over £1,500 | Over £1,500 | Over £800 |
Background
Nugelato is an iconic ice cream brand in Northern Ireland, renowned for creating the ultimate ice cream experience. The story of Nugelato began with Jack Nugent, who was born in Newcastle, Co. Down in 1900. After spending time in America, Jack returned to Ireland in 1928 to pursue his dream of making ice cream, launching the Strand Ice Cream Parlour and Home Bakery. Jack became the first non-Italian to master ice cream making in Ireland, passing this passion and expertise down through the generations to Michael Nugent.
Michael Nugent, born in 1984, continued the family tradition, but with a modern twist. Inspired by his travels to Italy and other parts of the world, Michael developed new recipes that would set Nugelato apart. The brand has since grown from a single boutique in Newcastle in 2015 to multiple locations across Northern Ireland, all celebrated for their innovative products like the Nuggy Pot® and Nuggy Burrito.
Solar Installation: Shop, Factory, and Home
When Michael Nugent decided to future-proof his business and personal life, he turned to Solarfix for a comprehensive solar solution. Michael knew that by installing solar systems at his shop, factory, and home, he could significantly reduce energy costs while contributing to a more sustainable environment.
Michael's approach to solar was simple: go big or go home—so he did it all at once! Known for his innovation in ice cream, Michael extended that creativity to powering his businesses, installing solar panels across multiple sites, including his personal life.
Solarfix was thrilled to partner with Michael in making his famous ice cream with renewable energy, contributing to a greener Northern Ireland while satisfying taste buds. Whether we're completing multiple installations simultaneously or over time, it's always a pleasure to reinforce our commitment to quality, safety, and building strong local partnerships.
Solar System Installation
Shop & Factory Installation:
For the Nugelato shop and factory in Newcastle, we installed identical 8kW systems, each equipped with a SolarEdge inverter. These systems were tailored to meet the energy needs of these locations, ensuring that the ice cream production process could run smoothly and sustainably. The systems have already begun to offset a significant portion of the energy consumption at both locations, resulting in noticeable savings on energy bills.
After a thorough analysis of the energy usage patterns, we opted not to add a battery at this point for the shop and factory. The busiest times at these locations coincide with peak solar generation, meaning the solar power being generated is utilised efficiently during operating hours. This decision ensures that the system remains cost-effective without the need for immediate energy storage.
In the first year of installation, both the shop and the factory have saved over £1,500 each on electricity costs. Additionally, the carbon savings are substantial, with the shop saving 1,150kg and the factory saving 1,357kg of carbon annually. Over the 25-year performance warranty of the panels, the expected carbon savings amount to 28,750kg for the shop and 33,925kg for the factory.
Home Installation:
At Michael’s home, we installed a 5.6 kW system, also featuring a SolarEdge inverter. This system was specifically designed to provide the household with a high level of energy self-sufficiency, utilising solar power to reduce reliance on the grid.
The home system contributed to savings of over £800 in the first year, alongside reducing 616kg of carbon annually. Over the 25-year panel warranty period, the anticipated total carbon savings are 15,400kg.
Advanced SolarEdge Technology
To ensure maximum efficiency and energy independence, we chose SolarEdge inverters for all three installations. Unlike standard string inverters, SolarEdge inverters offer DC-optimised solutions that address common concerns with traditional systems. Here's why SolarEdge was the perfect choice:
Increased Power Generation: SolarEdge technology allows each panel to operate at its optimal level, overcoming issues like shading or module-level power clipping. This results in more energy generation from every panel, ensuring the entire system performs at its best.
Enhanced Visibility: With the mySolarEdge app, Michael can monitor the performance of each individual panel, providing clear visibility into the system's operation. This app also enhances energy management, enabling more informed decisions about energy usage.
Cost Savings: The ability to handle different roof orientations, such as an East/West split or multi-roof systems, means that SolarEdge can maximise power generation throughout the day, leading to greater energy savings.
Safety: SolarEdge inverters also come with enhanced safety features, making them a reliable choice for both residential and commercial installations.
Health & Safety
The installation process at all three sites was managed with meticulous attention to health and safety. Our team adhered to stringent safety protocols, including working at heights and ensuring electrical safety, to minimise any risks. We coordinated closely with Michael to ensure that the installation caused minimal disruption to both his business operations and personal life.
We take pride in our ability to complete projects efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of safety. Our team’s experience in managing complex installations ensured that the entire process was smooth and hassle-free for the Nugelato team.
Carbon Savings and Sustainability
The combined carbon savings across the home, shop, and factory installations are impressive. Annually, the systems save a total of 3,123kg of carbon, contributing significantly to Nugelato's sustainability goals. Over the 25-year performance warranty, these installations are projected to save a total of 78,075kg of carbon, demonstrating a long-term commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Energy Independence and Future Integration
The solar systems installed are compatible with home storage batteries, such as the Duracell home battery, which allow for the storage of surplus energy generated during the day. This stored energy can be used at night or during periods of low sunlight, further reducing the need to draw electricity from the grid.
Michael could consider the future integration of a My Energi Zappi car charger and My Energi immersion heater controller to optimise his energy usage even further. These additions would enable him to charge electric vehicles using solar power and divert excess energy to heat water, increasing the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of his energy setup.
Ongoing Partnership
Michael is delighted with the installations and the ongoing support provided by Solarfix. The tailored solutions have not only reduced his energy costs but also enhanced the sustainability of his business operations. The successful implementation of these systems reflects Nugelato's commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.
Solarfix is excited to continue collaborating with Michael and the Nugelato team on future projects across their growing network of locations throughout the province.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Solarfix and Nugelato is a shining example of how businesses can embrace renewable energy to secure long-term savings and contribute to a greener future. If you’re looking for a “solar company near me” that offers cheap solar panels without compromising on quality, look no further than Solarfix. Our customised solar solutions can help your business achieve significant cost savings while reducing its environmental impact.
If you’re considering solar panels for your business, farm or home, or want to follow in Michael’s footsteps and do 3 in one, reach out to us at 0800 246 5198 or via our contact form here.
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