Several PV-based distributed generation (DG) units that recently came into service on the roofs of Swiss aseptic packaging solution supplier SIG Combibloc's three factory buildings in SIP are expected to bring huge and multiple benefits to the factory.

It is reported that the rooftop DG system is composed of 3,586 solar panels which, with a designed service life of 20 years, can generate approximately 1.3 million kWh of electricity each year, nearly half of the factory's annual power consumption.

The RMB 6 million project was invested by Chunxing New Energy Power (Suzhou) Co Ltd, a member within SIP developer and operator China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park Development Group Co Ltd. The company reportedly has erected over 10 systems of the kind across the country, with a total installed capacity of 10 megawatts.

It is estimated that the power supply from the system will enable the factory to save considerable electricity cost by enjoying discounted price for use of eco-friendly power. Besides, the solar panels can also serve as a buffer layer to block out some of the sunlight and keep the interior cooler in summer and preserve indoor heat in winter.

The system is equipped with a smart monitoring system for fault detection and alarm so as to ensure uninterruptable power supply.