How a solar wall is helping Arjo cut emissions and energy costs
Did you know that solar energy can be captured through a wall? At Arjo's production site in Magog, Canada, the company's first solar wall is now in operation, helping reduce both emissions and energy costs.
The 2,700-square-foot solar wall captures the sun's energy to preheat incoming air used in the facility's heating system. By reducing the amount of natural gas required to heat the building, the system is projected to lower annual heating energy consumption and costs by approximately 60 percent and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 40 tons per year.
The project is part of Arjo's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from own operations and demonstrates how targeted investments in energy efficiency can deliver environmental, operational and financial benefits.
"After evaluating several renewable energy alternatives, we identified a solar wall as a solution that was particularly well suited to our facility," says Marie-Josée Samson, Project Leader, Production at Arjo's Magog site. "The technology integrates with our existing heating infrastructure, requires limited maintenance and offers a strong combination of environmental impact and operational value."
The installation required extensive planning, including technology assessments, engineering work, supplier collaboration and integration with existing site infrastructure. A key priority was ensuring the project could be implemented without disrupting production activities.
"This project has been a valuable learning experience. We explored different technologies, worked closely with partners, and gained insights that will help us identify future opportunities to improve energy efficiency at our facility."
The Magog solar wall is the first installation of its kind within Arjo's operations and serves as an example of how local initiatives can contribute to global sustainability goals through reduced energy use and lower carbon emissions.