Yingli Green Energy Australia, known as “Yingli Solar”, has supplied Burder Industries with a 355kWp solar PV system through its distribution partner, EnviroGroup, a specialist provider of renewable energy products and systems for commercial applications, government clients and residential home owners.

Burder Industries is a regional manufacturer that produces customised tractor and earthmoving equipment for the agricultural industry. Its facility in Wangaratta, Victoria has been equipped with 1,420 250W YGE High Efficiency Polycrystalline Yingli Solar PV panels.

The installation will generate approximately 467MWh of solar energy per year and it is expected to provide for 90% of the company’s daily energy consumption. Solar power will reduce the company’s electricity costs by over 70% each year and provide a 25 year hedge against future electricity price increases. This will reduce Burder Industries’ carbon footprint by up to 607 tonnes annually; an equivalent of taking 145 cars off the road. The company’s investment in solar PV is expected to generate an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of over 25% annually.

Burder Industries competes directly with imported equipment for the agricultural industry that is produced overseas at a lower cost and it does not have the protection of any trade barriers or import tariffs. The company needed to reduce its operating costs to increase their competitiveness and to protect local jobs in the regional area. As a large user of electricity, Burder Industries saw solar power as an effective solution to increase its competitiveness and to reduce its operating costs.

Burder Industries general manager Adam Fendyk says, “While making the switch to solar has been a large capital investment for our business, we see it as a wise investment decision. Turning to solar power will be critical to the long-term success of our business as it will enhance our domestic competitiveness and the longevity of our operations.”

Yingli Green Energy in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific managing director Daman Cole says, “Solar power is a vital for energy intensive companies like Burder Industries as it will help to reduce their operating costs and carbon footprint. A quality solar photovoltaic system plays a vital role in ensuring their investment in solar pays off over the expected lifetime of a system and reduces their potential of experiencing bill shocks.”

EnviroGroup chief executive Cameron Munro says, “Burder Industries can be confident with the complete solution we have installed. We have assembled high quality components and carefully crafted the delivery of this project with Yingli Solar panels. When combined, this will go a long way towards helping Burder Industries reduce their operating costs and it will ensure their business remains competitive over the long-term.”

EnviroGroup managed all aspects of the project including solar power system design, installation, high voltage connection design and upgrade, 500kVA substation sourcing and installation, grid connection and metering. Fendyk said, “EnviroGroup surpassed our expectations completing a neat and professional installation within a short time frame, without disruption to our business operations. They also found creative solutions, including writing our company name ’BURDER’ across the roof of the building with the high quality Yingli Solar panels which has helped to promote our commitment to sustainability.”