Panasonic Signs Solar Leasing Agreement with Sunseap for Refrigeration Devices Factory
The installation, comprising 10,124 pieces of Panasonic’s proprietary solar panel HIT(TM) with 19.0% module efficiency, marks the largest solar system installation on a single site for the consumer electronics sector in Singapore, covering more than 20,000 square metres of roof area across five factory buildings. PAPRDSG will begin drawing from the 2.4 MW PV system within this year.A total of approximately 12,000 solar panels have been installed at PAPRDSG.
Atsunao Terasaki, Managing Director, Panasonic Appliances Refrigeration Devices Singapore, said, “As one of Panasonic’s Eco Model Factories in Southeast Asia, PAPRDSG’s focus has long been to ensure that we adopt green manufacturing practices and work towards environmental sustainability. We recognise that industries are huge consumers of energy. Through our solar leasing collaboration with Sunseap, we not only hope to reduce carbon footprint, but also drive uptake of solar energy in businesses and industries.”
With one of the highest module efficiency in the market, Panasonic’s solar panel HIT(TM) is able to generate more energy given limited roof space. In addition, unlike conventional solar panels, HIT(TM) can maintain high performance at high temperature, making them ideal for utilisation in tropical climates. The panels are manufactured at Panasonic Energy Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., located at Kulim Hi-Tech Park, Kedah, Malaysia.Through the solar leasing model, Sunseap will bear both installation and maintenance costs of the project, and pass on cost savings to PAPRDSG through cheaper electricity rates compared to drawing from the grid. The PV system will contribute to Panasonic’s target of reducing 700,000 tonnes of carbon emissions by 2016 through green manufacturing practices.
Frank Phuan, Sunseap Group Director, highlighted the changing perceptions among companies in Singapore with regards to clean energy as a signal that businesses and industries here are becoming more eco-conscious. He remarked, “The increase in the adoption of solar leasing projects in Singapore indicates the developing mindsets of companies to add value to their business through sustainability practices. We look forward to a meaningful 25-year partnership with Panasonic.”
