Company Overview: Panda Solar PV Project, Cappagh

Welcome to the Solar PV project that MarVal Power designed and installed for Panda, a leading green utilities company dedicated to sustainability and environmental goals. Together, we are delighted to be responsible for one of the largest rooftop solar energy systems ever completed in Ireland.

Operating since 1974, Panda has grown to become a trusted and innovative utilities provider. Their mission is to create a greener future by helping individuals, households, and businesses adopt sustainable management practices for their utilities.

As part of this ethos, Panda actively participates in community engagement initiatives, educational programs, and campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability and protecting the environment.

Project Brief

As discussed, the MarVal Power and Panda Solar PV Project is an impressive collaboration that has resulted in one of the largest rooftop solar energy systems completed in Ireland to date.

The focus of this project was based being aligned with the five key pillars of Panda’s strategy.

• • Innovative Partnerships.

• • Cutting Edge Technology.

• • Towards Net Zero 2040.

• • Inspiring Others.

• • Leave a Greener Footprint.

Here, we highlight the project’s specifications, challenges faced, the benefits achieved, as well as the positive outcomes of this sustainable initiative.

Project Specifications

The solar energy solution was designed and installed by MarVal Power. We were chosen because of our expertise and conscious sourcing policy, which aligns with Panda’s sustainability and environmental goals.

The system consists of approximately 2,000 Longi 415W photovoltaic (PV) modules and 7 SMA Core 2 inverters. Both Longi and SMA are globally recognized Tier 1 manufacturers known for their solar innovation, quality, reliability, efficiency, monitoring capabilities, and performance.

Challenges

The MarVal Power and Panda Solar PV Project encountered a significant challenge due to the location of the building, which is situated adjacent to Dublin Airport. This proximity to the airport introduced unique considerations and obstacles that were carefully addressed during the implementation of the solar project.

Flight Safety Regulations

Dublin airport has strict regulations in place to ensure flight safety. It was essential to design and install the solar energy system in a way that complies with these regulations and does not pose any hazards to aircraft operations. This involved adhering to specific height restrictions, positioning the panels in a way that minimises glare or reflections that could affect visibility, and ensuring no physical obstructions that could potentially cause interference.

Structural Considerations

The solar installation had to consider the structural integrity of the building, taking into account factors such as wind loads and the weight of the PV modules. Given the airport’s location, wind conditions might be more dynamic and require additional reinforcement or design considerations to ensure the system’s stability and durability.

Security Measures

As an airport-adjacent facility, security protocols had to be taken into account. The solar installation needed to align with airport security requirements, which may involve restricted access to certain areas of the building or the implementation of additional security measures to safeguard the PV system.

To address these challenges, clear communication was established MarVal Power and Panda in order to mitigate any difficulties. Thorough planning, rigorous safety assessments, and transparency were key factors in successfully overcoming these location-related obstacles.

Project Benefits

The MarVal Power and Panda Solar PV Project have yielded significant benefits for both companies and the environment:

Energy Generation

The Tier 1 Solar PV Solution, implemented by MarVal Power, enables Panda to:

• • Self-generate approximately 750MWh of energy annually.

• • This accounts for nearly 10% of Panda’s total energy requirements, reducing their reliance on traditional power grids.

Carbon Footprint Reduction

By embracing solar energy, Panda is proudly:

• • Reducing its carbon footprint by more than 250 tons per year.

• • This is equivalent to planting 1,500 trees, contributing to environmental sustainability and combating climate change.

Environmental Stewardship

The project demonstrates Panda’s commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility. By investing in renewable energy, they serve as a role model for other businesses, inspiring them to adopt greener alternatives and reduce their ecological impact.

Financial Savings

The solar energy system allows Panda to save on electricity costs by utilising self-generated energy. These savings are contributing to the company’s financial stability and long-term growth.

Summary

The MarVal Power and Panda Solar PV Project demonstrates our successful implementation of a large-scale renewable energy initiative.

By partnering with MarVal Power and leveraging their solar expertise, Panda has not only achieved significant energy generation but also demonstrated their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

The project’s benefits, including reduced carbon emissions, financial savings, and environmental leadership, highlight the value of embracing solar energy and its positive impact on businesses and the planet.

This project is another inspiring example for other organisations to consider renewable energy solutions and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.