Central Agri Group - Cutting Energy Costs at a 24/7 Abattoir
location
Trafalgar, VIC
Services used
Solar PV, Bio-Diesel Generation
Industry
Food & Beverage
800kW
SOLAR PV
3.9 years
Payback
50%+
SAVINGS
800kW of rooftop solar paired with an 850kVA bio-diesel generator cut more than half of the Trafalgar abattoir's grid energy bill — with a 3.9-year payback.
The Challenge
The Trafalgar abattoir runs around the clock and pulls heavy, constant electricity loads. On top of unit energy charges, Central Agri Group was paying a large demand impost — making grid power one of the plant's biggest variable costs. They needed to take a meaningful chunk out of that bill without disturbing 24/7 operations.
The Solution
We designed, installed and commissioned an 800kW ground mount solar array on the abattoir using 590W Sumec Phono modules — backed by a 25-year manufacturer warranty. We paired the solar with a single 850kVA CAT18 bio-fuel enabled generator, sized to provide backup for critical loads. The generator sits behind a child meter, so when it isn't running for backup it can dispatch into the wholesale market and earn revenue — instead of sitting idle.
The Impact
The system offsets more than 50% of the plant's grid electricity cost, with a 3.9-year payback on the up-front investment. The project also qualified for VEECs (Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates), reducing the capital outlay further. Beyond the savings, Central Agri Group now has on-site backup power and a generator that earns rather than depreciates in the corner.
