We are delighted to share the successful completion of an installation at Maclean’s Highland Bakery in Forres as the local bakery harnesses solar power. A proud family-run business spanning four generations of Scottish Master Bakers, Maclean’s Highland Bakery has been crafting exceptional baked goods using local and natural ingredients since the 1970s. Their unique recipes and commitment to quality have earned them a loyal customer base, and now, their sustainability efforts are adding another layer of pride to their heritage!
As part of this milestone, confectioner Amy McBean created a batch of special AES Solar-themed empire biscuits to commemorate the occasion. The installation of 192 solar panels on the bakery’s roof is set to revolutionise their energy use, generating clean electricity to power their ovens and reduce their environmental footprint.
Local Bakery Harnesses Solar
The 77.76 kWp solar PV system is estimated to generate an annual production of 65 kWh and save 12.61 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. To put that in perspective that’s the estimated annual equivalent of 525K biscuits baked by the power of the sun.1 The work was carried out as part of Maclean’s roof refurbishment works which saw involvement from another local legend, AJ Engineering, emphasising the importance of local partnerships in driving forward sustainability.
For years, Maclean’s Highland Bakery has been taking steps to reduce its environmental impact. Their journey toward net zero began with simple but effective measures, evolving into a comprehensive sustainability strategy including:
- New tap heads to reduce water usage
- LED lighting throughout the business
- Strategic use of sustainable ingredients
- Removing plastics from 95% of their packaging
- Adding electric vehicles to their fleet
The solar PV installation marks a significant leap forward in their efforts, as this local bakery harnesses solar, providing clean energy that will directly reduce their electricity costs while further supporting their commitment to sustainability.
Newly appointed Operations Director, Garry Maclean, said:
“This installation is an important step in our Net Zero plan and a significant investment in our family business to help the next generation build for a more sustainable future. Not only will the solar panels significantly reduce our environmental impact, but they will also enable us to cut our outgoings by generating onsite energy to power our ovens.
“Getting solar panels installed felt like a natural next step as we work towards achieving net zero in our business. Over the years we have explored a number of ways to be cleaner and greener, including the removal of plastics from our packaging. Working with AES Solar on the solar installation and AJ Engineering on the construction of the new roof was important to us as a business that values working with local companies.”
Jamie Di Sotto, Director at AES Solar, said:
“Maclean’s Highland Bakery is a great example when it comes to running a business in a more sustainable way and we’re delighted to play a part in their transition journey to net zero. With energy costs continuing to rise, solar remains one of the most effective ways of reducing the overheads associated with running commercial buildings.
“The north of Scotland in particular faces several grid limitations, impacting the ability for local businesses to decarbonise their operations and reduce energy costs. As a company, we warmly welcome SSEN’s recent decision to increase the upper limit for renewable connections in the north of Scotland from 50kW to 200kW, allowing more businesses in the area to connect to the grid quicker and without extra costs.”
A Bright Future for Sustainability in Forres
The installation at Maclean’s Highland Bakery as this local bakery harnesses solar is more than just a solar project—it is a testament to what can be achieved when local businesses work together to prioritise sustainability. By embracing renewable energy, Maclean’s is not only reducing their environmental impact but also ensuring long-term energy security and cost savings for the next generation of their family business.
As we look to the future, partnerships like these highlight the vital role of collaboration in tackling climate change and supporting Scotland’s transition to net zero. We are proud to be part of this journey and look forward to helping more businesses harness the power of the sun!
