Solar at the sewing centre
Johnstons Woollen Mill in Elgin has turned to the power of the sun to generate electricity for its sewing centre at Moycroft Industrial Estate. Forres-based AES Solar installed a 20kWp solar PV system at the site known as Makers Croft in March 2024 and the textile firm is planning to expand the installation as part of their contribution to reduce the company’s carbon footprint.
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 2,530kWh in the month of June, with the highest volume of daily electricity so far generated on 20th June 2024 – the summer solstice – when 133kWh was generated.
Jamie Di Sotto, director at AES Solar, says: “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.”
