Johnstons Woollen Mill in Elgin has turned to the power of the sun to generate electricity for its sewing centre at Moycroft Industrial Estate. The Sewing Centre Embraces Solar with this 20 kWp solar PV system we installed at the site known as Makers Croft in March of this year. The textile firm is planning to expand the installation as part of their contribution to reduce the company’s carbon footprint.
Powering Tradition with Solar Innovation
Machinists and skilled craftspeople at Johnstons’ sewing centre put the finishing touches to textiles which are supplied to some of the most globally recognised luxury brands. The solar panels have contributed approximately 16% of electricity to the sewing centre since they were installed and are estimated to save 3 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year – the annual equivalent of planting 138 trees. The system generated more than 2530 kWh in the month of June, with the highest volume of daily electricity so far generated on June 20th 2024 – the summer solstice – when 133 kWh was generated.
The project was spearheaded by Sally Roark, Head of Projects at Johnstons of Elgin. Sally’s enthusiasm for solar energy stretches back decades. In 1990, while still in school, she participated in the World Solar Car Challenge in Australia, driving a solar car with her school peers for 11 days.
Expressing her delight at the success of the installation, Sally Roark, said:
“I’m delighted to see the success of the installation and look forward to witnessing its impact on our carbon emissions. This is a step forward in making a contribution to reducing our operations’ carbon footprint.
“I am aware of the grid limitations impacting many businesses that want to decarbonise their operations in the north of Scotland, however, this was one of the easiest projects I have worked on. We are now planning to install an additional 30kWp Solar PV at Makers Croft and are evaluating the addition of solar panels at our main site. Working with AES Solar on the solar installation and McDonald and Munro on the electrics was important to us as a business that values working with local companies.”
Jamie Di Sotto, Director at AES Solar, said:
“I’m thrilled to see the positive impact this installation has had on Makers Croft so far. Not only will the installation make operations less carbon intensive, it will also bring significant savings on the day-to-day running cost of the sewing centre. As a company, we are looking forward to continuing our work with Johnstons of Elgin as the company looks to expand the existing system. Expanding the system will make a significant contribution to the company’s efforts of reducing its carbon footprint.”
Johnstons of Elgin, awarded B Corp status in 2023, has implemented various measures to reduce its environmental impact, including installing an air-source heat pump at Makers Croft and upgrading to LED lighting across its facilities. The solar PV installation is another milestone in the company’s sustainability journey, reflecting its commitment to aligning with global environmental standards.
The Role of Solar in Commercial Sustainability
The success of this project highlights the growing role that solar energy can play in commercial and industrial spaces. Large roof spaces like those at Makers Croft offer ideal conditions for generating renewable energy on-site, reducing reliance on the grid and shrinking operational carbon footprints. By embracing solar power, businesses like Johnstons of Elgin demonstrate how sustainability and cost efficiency can go hand in hand.
At AES Solar, we are proud to partner with businesses committed to reducing their environmental impact. Projects like this exemplify the potential for commercial solar installations to make a tangible difference. Whether it’s contributing to a company’s sustainability goals or creating significant cost savings, we are delighted to see more businesses across Scotland utilising their available roof space for renewable energy projects.
As Johnstons of Elgin moves forward with its expansion plans, we look forward to continuing our collaboration and supporting the company in achieving its ambitious sustainability objectives. At AES Solar, we remain committed to delivering high-quality solar solutions to help businesses and communities transition to a cleaner, greener future.
