Annek Frozen Food Invests in Solar with Veep Energy’s 50.2kWp Commercial PV Installation
As energy costs continue to rise, more businesses are turning to solar power as a smart, long-term investment. At Veep Energy, we are proud to help Irish companies reduce operating costs, improve sustainability, and take greater control of their energy future.
One recent project that perfectly demonstrates the benefits of commercial solar energy is our turnkey solar PV installation for Annek Frozen Food, a leading food storage and logistics facility. This large-scale rooftop solar project showcases how businesses with significant daytime electricity demands can dramatically reduce energy expenses while lowering their environmental impact.
A Commercial Solar Solution Designed for Performance
Unlike a typical residential solar installation, commercial solar projects are designed to support the much higher energy requirements of industrial and business operations.
While residential systems generally range from 4kWp to 8kWp, commercial installations can be many times larger, depending on the energy demands of the business. These systems require detailed site assessments, advanced engineering, grid connection management, health and safety planning, and specialist project management to ensure seamless operation.
For Annek Frozen Food, Veep Energy designed and delivered a 50.2kWp rooftop solar PV system capable of generating approximately 45,180kWh of clean electricity annually.
The installation was carefully tailored to support the facility’s daytime electricity usage, helping to offset imported electricity from the grid and significantly reduce ongoing operating costs.
Project Highlights
System Size
- 50.2kWp Rooftop Solar PV System
Predicted Annual Energy Production
- 45,180kWh
Estimated Annual Savings
- €12,931 per year
Investment Payback Period
- Approximately 3.5 Years
Total Estimated Savings Over 25 Years
- €295,962
Annual Carbon Reduction
- 17,717kg of CO₂ Offset
Expected Export Without Battery Storage
- 20%
These figures demonstrate why commercial solar continues to be one of the most attractive energy investments available to businesses today. With an expected return on investment in just over three and a half years, the system will continue generating savings for decades after paying for itself.
High-Performance Equipment for Long-Term Reliability
To ensure maximum efficiency and reliability, Veep Energy supplied and installed a premium Solar PV system incorporating industry-leading technologies, including:
- 112 Longi High-Power 450W Mono Crystalline Solar Panels
- 50kW SolarEdge Smart Three-Phase Inverter
- 56 SolarEdge DUO Power Optimisers with Safe DC Technology
- SolarEdge Smart Import/Export Meter (250A)
- 32-inch SolarFOX LG Display Screen for live solar generation monitoring
- Complete roof mounting system
- Full electrical installation and commissioning
- Grid connection management and permissions
- Planning permission management where applicable
- Certification and compliance documentation
The SolarEdge architecture maximises energy generation by optimising the performance of individual panels, while advanced monitoring allows the client to track system performance in real time.
Professional Project Delivery from Start to Finish
At Veep Energy, we understand that commercial installations require careful planning, strict safety procedures, and minimal disruption to daily operations.
Before any work commenced on-site, our team completed comprehensive:
- Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS)
- Health and Safety documentation
- Project planning and site coordination
- Grid connection and approval processes
On installation day, Veep Energy’s dedicated Project Manager and Lead Engineer conducted a full site induction with engineers and contractors. Safety exclusion zones, marshalling areas, and site signage were established to ensure a safe and controlled working environment throughout the installation.
During the works, our installation team maintained a clean and organised site, ensuring all waste materials were responsibly removed and recycled wherever possible.
Following completion of the installation, Veep Energy managed the final grid connection process and carried out all testing and commissioning activities before handing the system over to the client.
To ensure the Annek Frozen Food team could maximise the benefits of their new solar investment, we also provided:
– Full operational training
– Maintenance guidance
– System documentation
– Comprehensive handover pack
The Difference Between Residential and Commercial Solar Installations
Many people are familiar with solar systems on homes, but commercial installations involve a much broader scope of work.
Residential Solar
- Typically 4kWp to 8kWp systems
- Designed for household energy consumption
- Smaller roof areas
- Lower electrical loads
- Simpler grid connection requirements
- Usually installed within a short timeframe
Commercial Solar
- Larger systems, often 30kWp to several hundred kWp
- Designed to support business operations and industrial processes
- Higher energy consumption and demand profiles
- Advanced monitoring and energy management systems
- More complex engineering and grid compliance requirements
- Detailed health and safety planning and project management
The Annek Frozen Food project is an excellent example of how commercial solar systems can be integrated into an active industrial environment while delivering substantial long-term financial and environmental benefits.
A View from Above
The aerial view of the facility highlights how effectively the rooftop space has been utilised to generate renewable energy. The solar array sits neatly across the warehouse roof, transforming previously unused roof area into a productive energy asset.
The installation blends seamlessly into the existing structure while providing clean electricity generation that will continue delivering value year after year.
Minimal Maintenance, Maximum Performance
One of the biggest advantages of commercial solar PV systems is that they require very little ongoing maintenance while continuing to generate clean electricity for decades.
The Annek Frozen Food 50.2kWp system has been designed using high-quality components from leading manufacturers, helping to ensure reliable long-term performance. However, like any business asset, regular inspections and maintenance are recommended to maximise energy production and protect the investment.
What Maintenance Is Required?
Commercial solar systems typically require:
- Annual system inspections to verify all electrical connections, mounting systems, and safety components remain in excellent condition.
- Performance monitoring to identify any reduction in energy generation and address potential issues quickly.
- Inverter checks and servicing to ensure the system continues operating efficiently.
- Visual panel inspections to check for debris build-up, shading issues, or physical damage.
- Occasional panel cleaning, particularly in industrial environments where dust, pollen, bird droppings, or airborne particles may accumulate over time.
Fortunately, Ireland’s regular rainfall naturally helps keep solar panels clean, meaning extensive cleaning is rarely required.
Smart Monitoring for Business Owners
The SolarEdge monitoring platform installed as part of this project allows performance data to be viewed in real time. This enables business owners and facility managers to track energy production, monitor savings, and quickly identify any potential system alerts.
The included SolarFOX display screen also provides a visual representation of the system’s performance, showcasing live energy generation and reinforcing Annek Frozen Food’s commitment to sustainability.
Ongoing Support from Veep Energy
At Veep Energy, our relationship with customers does not end when the installation is complete. Every commercial installation includes:
- A 5-Year Labour Warranty
- A 2-Year Comprehensive Operations & Maintenance Warranty
- Optional extended O&M contracts for continued support and preventative maintenance
Our experienced team remains available to provide technical support, routine inspections, performance optimisation, and system health checks throughout the lifespan of the installation.
With proper maintenance, commercial solar PV systems can continue delivering significant energy savings and environmental benefits for 25 years or more, making them one of the most dependable and cost-effective investments available to businesses today.
Why Solar Energy Makes Sense for Frozen Food Businesses
Frozen food storage and distribution facilities are among the most energy-intensive commercial operations. Maintaining cold rooms, freezers, refrigeration systems, ventilation equipment, lighting, and warehouse operations requires a significant amount of electricity every day of the year.
This makes solar PV an ideal solution for companies such as Annek Frozen Food.
Lower Energy Costs
Refrigeration systems often run continuously, creating a substantial electricity demand. By generating electricity on-site during daylight hours, solar panels help offset a large portion of this consumption, reducing reliance on grid electricity and lowering monthly energy bills.
For Annek Frozen Food, the new 50.2kWp solar installation is expected to generate approximately 45,180kWh annually, contributing directly to the facility’s operational energy requirements and delivering estimated annual savings of nearly €13,000.
Protection Against Rising Electricity Prices
Energy prices can fluctuate significantly, making it difficult for businesses to predict future operating costs. Solar energy provides greater energy independence by allowing businesses to generate their own power from a free and renewable source.
This helps create more predictable energy costs and protects businesses from future electricity price increases.
Strong Return on Investment
Because frozen food companies consume large amounts of electricity, they tend to use a high percentage of the solar energy generated on-site. This maximises savings and can significantly shorten the payback period of the investment.
In the case of Annek Frozen Food, the system is expected to achieve a return on investment in just 3.5 years, while generating almost €296,000 in savings over 25 years.
Supporting Sustainability Goals
Consumers and business partners increasingly want to work with environmentally responsible companies. By investing in solar energy, frozen food businesses can significantly reduce their carbon footprint while demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.
The Annek Frozen Food installation is expected to offset approximately 17,717kg of CO₂ emissions every year, helping the company lower its environmental impact while strengthening its green credentials.
Making Use of Valuable Roof Space
Making Use of Valuable Roof SpaceWarehouses and cold storage facilities often have large roof areas that would otherwise remain unused. Commercial solar installations transform this space into a productive asset, generating clean electricity while requiring no additional land.
As seen in the Annek Frozen Food project, the expansive warehouse roof provides the perfect platform for a high-performance solar PV system capable of delivering decades of financial and environmental benefits.
Key takeaway: Frozen food companies are ideal candidates for commercial solar because their large and continuous electricity demands allow them to maximise self-consumption of solar energy, resulting in faster payback periods, significant long-term savings, and substantial carbon reductions.
Why Choose Veep Energy?
When businesses choose Veep Energy, they are partnering with a team that manages every stage of the project, from initial design and feasibility assessments through to installation, commissioning, monitoring, and ongoing support.
Our turnkey approach means clients benefit from:
– Expert system design
– Full project management
– Grid connection handling
– Planning and compliance support
– Industry-leading equipment
– Dedicated aftercare and maintenance options
– Proven commercial and industrial experience
Ready to Power Your Business with Solar?
The Annek Frozen Food installation demonstrates how solar energy can deliver substantial financial savings, rapid return on investment, and meaningful carbon reductions for Irish businesses.
If your organisation is looking to reduce energy costs and future-proof its operations, Veep Energy can design a tailored commercial solar solution that works for your business.
Contact Us!
Visit www.veepenergy.ie today to discover the benefits of solar energy and learn how a professionally designed Solar PV system can help reduce your energy costs while lowering your carbon footprint.
Explore how our Residential Solar PV Installation can transform your energy consumption.
For more information, contact our team on (01) 537 7669 or email [email protected].
You can also follow VEEP Energy on social media to keep up with our latest commercial and residential installations, renewable energy news, company updates, and behind-the-scenes project content.
Facebook: @veepenergy
https://www.facebook.com/
Instagram: @veepenergy
https://www.instagram.com/veepenergy/
