47 THE door industry journal winter 2023 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Industry News Garador Produces its First Green Door Garador has reinforced its leadership in British manufacturing with a major investment in solar energy. 1600 solar panels have been installed on the roof of the company’s Yeovil factory and the first ever ‘green’ garage door has now come off the production line. The process started a year ago when Garador commissioned a detailed feasibility study to explore different renewable options. Garador’s Managing Director, Jon Watson, said: “After 70 years of manufacturing garage doors using traditional power sources, we took the decision to improve our energy security. We also wanted to reduce our carbon footprint; this would not only improve the environmental sustainability of our operation but, using alternative power sources, could help lower our overheads as well. “After the feasibility study, we decided that solar was the best way forward as we work towards a carbon-neutral future.” Garador‘s manufacturing facility in Yeovil provided adequate roof space to facilitate the installation of solar panels at the right direction and angle to optimise solar input. Initial preparation for the installation included changing the roof lights and fixings and then adding a rubberised paint to the roof for additional long-term protection. Inverters were required within the factory to convert the DC current supplied by the panels into AC to power the machinery; Garador decided not to install storage batteries at this time but the option is open for the future. Monitoring equipment including specialised software was then installed to keep track of supply and usage and ensure performance from the system could be fully assessed. Jon Watson commented: “So far, the results have exceeded our expectations. Obviously, input does vary but with our large bank of solar panels, there will be significant solar contribution even during the winter months. Overall, the system is expected to generate over 700,000 kWh of clean electricity. We expect a full return on this investment in just a few years.” Currently, the solar energy provided is used just for Garador’s manufacturing processes, but the company’s long-term plan is to become energy self-sufficient and this may include using solar energy to power their lighting together with the installation of a battery bank to store surplus electricity generation. To find out more about Garador and its range of garage doors, please visit www.garador.co.uk or call 01935 443722.
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