A photovoltaic system with a peak output of 854 kilowatts went into operation on the roof of the Swiss wholesale company Rodi Fructus AG in the industrial park in Möhlin at the end of December. Most of the solar energy produced on site is used for the permanent energy supply of the refrigeration units.
Fruits and peanuts for the Swiss trade
The history of Rodi Fructus AG goes back more than 100 years and began with the trading of fruits and vegetables from all over the world for the Swiss market. For almost 20 years, the wholesaler has been located in Möhlin AG, from where it distributes the refreshing and vitamin-rich fruits to Swiss supermarkets. Rodi Fructus also owns old coffee roasting machines, which are ideal for roasting peanuts. The peanuts are delivered raw, heated to the required temperature by a converted coffee roasting drum, after which they are cleaned and packed for the retail trade.
PV system contributes ecological energy in the cold chain
The distribution as well as the correct storage of the fruit is not only time-consuming, it also requires a lot of energy, especially for cooling. This is because if the cold chain is interrupted, in the worst case it can lead to a loss of the stored fruit. To make this cooling chain more ecological, Rodi Fructus AG has opted for photovoltaic contracting (PV contracting) with AEW Energie AG.
PV contracting: Optimal for commercial and industrial enterprises
The contracting model is suitable for commercial and industrial companies with large roof areas that neither want to invest in their own system nor carry out the operation and maintenance themselves. AEW is the builder and owner of the photovoltaic system and takes care of the planning, operation and ongoing maintenance of the system from A to Z. Rodi Fructus AG has no investment costs and benefits from the partnership in many ways: the energy produced on site is fed directly into the Rodi Fructus AG site network, where it is largely consumed. Rodi Fructus AG benefits from favorable conditions and is protected against fluctuations in electricity prices. Surplus energy is fed back into the AEW grid. Another advantage: Rodi Fructus AG can concentrate on its core business, while AEW carries out all the necessary work.
Consisting of nine inverters and 2,475 PV modules, the plant generates a peak output of 854 kilowatts. It is one of the largest plants in the AEW portfolio. Of the expected annual energy production of around 750 MWh, around one third will be used directly by Rodi Fructus AG on site. With the expansion of its contracting portfolio, AEW is making a significant contribution to a secure and climate-friendly energy supply, helping companies to reduce their carbon footprint and at the same time promoting the attractiveness of the location.
Images: AEW
For more information:
Rodi Fructus AG
Bäumlimattstrasse 14
Postfach 253
4313 Möhlin, Schweiz
T +41 61 855 57 57
[email protected]
www.rodifructus.ch
AEW Energie AG
David Gautschi
Obere Vorstadt 40
Postfach CH-5001 Aarau
T +41 62 834 25 50
[email protected]
www.aew.ch
