Solar energy install a good fit for plastic recycler

REPLAS recycles plastic waste into over 200 sustainable products including bollards, decking, fending, fitness trails and furniture.

For a business, which builds it values around sustainability, a focus on energy and efficiency, it made the decision to look at ways to reduce the environmental impact of its Ballarat manufacturing site.

Replas contracted with energy management consultancy Choice Energy to undertake a solar feasibility report which determined installing solar would provide huge economic and environmental benefits.

“Given the amount of power we use, it made complete sense that we place solar panels on the roof,” said Russell Muller, Replas Director.

Like a lot of large manufacturing businesses, it has often been approached with solar panel deals.

“Choice Energy guided us throughout the planning process and gave us the confidence to take the plunge,” Mr Muller said.

Solar panels were erected, generating electricity to be used during daylight hours eliminating the need to purchase it from an electricity provider.

“We already had the infrastructure to create our own power so what we are essentially doing is turning our roof into a power station,” he said.

Choice Energy commenced assisting commercial businesses substantially reduce their power bills through group buying and, where appropriate, switching to solar in 2013.

In Australia’s energy market there are companies that provide energy solutions that help business use less power and others that assist in reducing the cost of power.

“We believe we have done the best at marrying the two areas in one complete offering,” said Christopher Dean, Choice Energy’s CEO and co-founder.