On May 2, 2023, Tilly’s Farm Limited (TFL) took a significant step towards sustainability by successfully transitioning all machinery and equipment in its processing unit from the national electricity grid to a hybrid solar energy system. TFL’s processing unit serves as the central hub where pork from TFL Smallholder farmers is processed into sausages and specialized cuts.
The decision to go green aligns with TFL’s core principles of being an environmentally, socially, and ethically responsible business. By achieving this significant milestone, Tilly’s Farm proudly joins the ranks of establishments that prioritize sustainable practices to conduct their operations.
The 15kWp hybrid solar system, which was installed by Translight Solar Limited, an Accra-based energy management company allows TFL to power its 20-footer cold-room and other processing equipment with clean, reliable, and sustainable energy, which harnesses the suns energy during the day, with excess power stored in batteries for use at night when sunlight is unavailable.
With an estimated lifespan of over 15 years the hybrid solar system reduces Tilly’s Farm dependence on the national grid resulting in tangible cost savings. With the installation Tilly’s Farm anticipates a potential 70% reduction in its monthly electricity bill. The 15kWp hybrid system is expected to pay for itself within 3.5 years and yield a return on investment of nearly 60% over the next 5 years.
Maxwell and Boatemaa Hammond, the Co-founders of Tilly’s Farm, emphasized their dedication to renewable energy and combating climate change. According to them “Despite being a small business, Tilly’s Farm recognizes the importance of solar energy and its positive impact on both the environment and the company’s bottom line. Moreover, with the escalating electricity tariffs in Ghana, harnessing solar power from sunlight becomes a sensible and financially viable choice.”
The implementation of the hybrid solar energy system at Tilly’s Farm signifies a shift towards a greener and more sustainable energy source that emits no greenhouse gases. Tilly’s Farm Ltd’s installation is expected to save approximately 16,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
