FORSTER Group has completed a major solar installation for Fife Creamery in the company’s biggest project to date within the food and drink industry.
Following an investment of £230,000, Fife Creamery appointed Forster Group to install over 700 roof-mounted solar panels for its Innovation Hub and refrigeration warehouse in Kirkcaldy.
Forster Group has installed an energy storage battery and provided infrastructure so additional battery storage can be installed in future.
With the roof-mounted installation completed in just eight days, Forster Group said its technology will help Fife Creamery save over £3.1 million in energy costs over the next 20+ years. The solar panel system provides an instant energy output of 211 kilowatt peak (kWp), with an additional capacity of 200kWp available via battery storage.
Since becoming operational in May 2024, Forster said the first phase of the installation at the Innovation Hub has seen energy bills reduce by two thirds.
David Simpson, operations director at Fife Creamery, said, “With a target of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, we recognised the importance of investing in renewable energy solutions that support the environment and resonate with customers who seek to partner with sustainable businesses. We are an independent, family-owned business and chose to invest over £200,000 to support our broader sustainability strategy. With a high proportion of energy used for refrigeration, we were determined to secure the largest solar installation we could, ensuring that the renewable energy generated would directly offset our substantial energy consumption. It’s incredibly exciting to already be seeing positive results.
“Forster Group provided fantastic customer service and support. From day one they led our team through every step of the process with knowledge and expertise, ensuring we fully understood the complexities of the system. Not only have they improved our knowledge of renewable energy and its potential, but they have also helped to future-proof Fife Creamery for decades to come.”
David Anderson, design engineer at Forster Group, added, “It was a pleasure to support the team at Fife Creamery with this significant solar and battery storage installation. This project was one of our biggest to date and proves the point that solar energy solutions can have a transformative impact on energy-intensive sectors like food and drink manufacturing, distribution and refrigeration.
“With many businesses looking to divert away from traditional energy sources, solar power will have an important role to play in supporting the transition to net zero. We look forward to continuing to help businesses like Fife Creamery meet their carbon reduction goals.”
