Industry News

Since mid-December 2020, a solar cell plant that covers 5,000m2 of the rooftop of Lesjöfors Banddetaljer´s production facility in Värnamo, Sweden, has been in operation. The solar cells are estimated to produce around 25% of the plant’s annual electricity need.

About a year ago, the stampings and bending parts specialist Lesjöfors Banddetaljer AB took the first steps in the transition to use fossil-free energy sources. Not only does the plant reduce energy cost, but the big gain is also the reduced environmental impact. The solar cell plant is an important measure in-line with the Beijer Alma Group’s – Lesjöfors parent company – sustainability strategy.

“We see that more and more industrial companies strive to lower their energy consumption and transfer to fossil-free electricity production. Not many have installed a solar cell plant of our size though in our region, so we are happy for this opportunity,” says Marcus Hartvigsson, managing director of Lesjöfors Banddetaljer.

A profitable investment

The total cost of the whole process was about SEK 3 million (€300,000) and the payoff time is estimated to ten years. It is also important to mention the environmental payoff time, which is only 2.5 years. Lesjöfors Banddetaljer has applied for government grants, which will cover 20% of the installation cost. The plant is estimated to produce about 350MWh annually, which is around 25% of the total energy consumption. The lifespan of the solar cells is 25 years, which means the plant is a profitable investment, as well as an important sustainability measure.

“I know that several companies are following our progress with great interest and hope that many will follow our example,” says Marcus Hartvigsson.