1,944 solar panels installed on mushroom supplier's roof

Making sustainable choices is part of Banken Champignons's make-up. This is why this Dutch mushroom supplier fitted out its distribution centre with a heat recovery system. Rainwater is also collected and reused. Now, it has also made a future-orientated decision in terms of energy production. No fewer than 1,944 solar panels have been installed on the company's roof. In January 2018, they generated their own energy for the first time. Banken expects to produce an average of 435,000 kWh of electricity per year. This means the solar panels will provide 15% of the company's total energy requirements. For instance, their electric forklifts and pump trucks now partially run on solar power.

Conscious choice
This 'sustainable' energy project was started about 18 months ago. After a tendering process, the project was awarded to the companies of Holland Gaat Duurzaam and Modderkolk from Wijchen in the Netherlands. Holland Gaat Duurzaam supplies solar water panels and hot water systems. Modderkolk is an industrial electrical engineering installation company. Willy Vos of Holland Gaat Duurzaam says, "Banken Champignons made a conscious decision to use and invest in sustainable energy. Not only were the panels placed and installed, but the roof construction also had to be reinforced in order for this construction to take place. The necessary construction and technical work was, therefore, done. It reflects Banken's desire to become truly sustainable. They are taking the lead as one of the local large-scale energy users. They have shown that they have dared to opt for sustainable solutions."

95% saving in energy
"Banken's facility consists, in large part, of refrigerated areas", continues Willy. "Solar energy is ideal for such a situation. The solar panels generate the most energy in the summer when these cooling cells are working at their hardest. In this building, 95% of the solar power is being used. This is often much less than in a house."

Extensive project
"I always work with Modderkolk on such large projects. Together, we handle such a project with ease. They have the technical know-how and the right professionals. I bring the knowledge of solar panels. This is why we have been able to take on such an important local project. In short, there is the knowledge and drive in Wijchen to make sustainable energy a reality. This is something I am proud of", says Willy.

The numbers:

1,944 solar panels* (525kW)
17 inverters*
102 brackets
15, 000 metres of cable

*The panels and substructures are referred to as 'light' versions because of the roof's carrying capacity. They are manufactured in Europe.

For more information:
Banken Champignons BV, Rob Banken, tel. + 31 (0) 243 667 444
Holland Gaat Duurzaam, Willie Vos, tel. + 31 (0) 637 342 388
Modderkolk Wijchen, Rutger Hermans, tel. + 31 (0) 246 486 476