Solar to Nuwara Eliya Hayleys Solar changes the game

Sub-header: Harnessing Sunshine in the hill country to offset 1Mn CO₂ kgs

Martin Bauer Hayleys (Private) Limited has successfully strengthened its energy independence through a landmark collaboration with Hayleys Solar to install a 1273-Kilowatt peak (kWp) grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) system at their tea extract facilities in Hatton, Nuwara Eliya district. Currently, this accounts for the largest solar installation in the Nuwara Eliya District. Annually, the solar array is anticipated to produce 1486 MWh of electricity, offsetting over 1 million kgs of CO₂ with a high-voltage metering system in place.

Although temperature and sunshine can affect the amount of solar energy produced, the installation at the Blinkbonnie and Ingestre Estates takes advantage of several technical benefits. Solar panels generate power from light energy, not thermal energy, allowing them to function efficiently even in cooler temperatures. Cooler conditions boost solar panel effectiveness, enabling electrons in photovoltaic cells to move more freely, resulting in a higher electric current.

This project benefited from both design optimisations and mild ambient temperatures, which enhanced energy yield. Two separate transformers ensured that each section of the distributed solar array operated at peak efficiency, maximising the use of available sunlight.

“We are proud to have partnered with Hayleys Solar to lead this transformative shift and are pleased with the substantial benefits we envisage to our company and the local community” said Athula Ranwala, CEO of Martin Bauer Hayleys. “The project will significantly reduce our environmental impact and showcases the economic viability of solar solutions in locations such as Hatton.”

Reflecting on the successful completion of the installation, Hasith Prematillake, Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons said, ” Through meticulous system design and planning to ensure optimal panel placement and performance, we have delivered a comprehensive, end-to-end solution for Martin Bauer Hayleys. We remain committed to harnessing the power of sustainable energy solutions, proving that even in mild climates like Nuwara Eliya, solar energy has a bright and promising future.”

“We are impressed with the thoroughness of Hayleys Solar’s design optimisation work,” said Susantha Marasinghe, General Manager of Operations, at Martin Bauer Hayleys. “Their expertise involved using two separate transformers to make sure that every part of the scattered solar project generates its maximum possible yield.”

Roshane Perera, Executive Director and CEO of Hayleys Solar highlighted the project’s significance, stating, “This project demonstrates that even in hill country, the solar systems perform well enough to give a significant return on investment, mainly due to the milder temperatures.”

Hayleys Solar’s proven track record and expertise in delivering turnkey solar solutions positions the company as a leader in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy landscape. With their commitment to providing exceptional service and comprehensive solutions, Hayleys Solar instills confidence in business customers seeking to embark on their own clean energy journey.

Image Captions: Drone shots of the installation/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

About Hayleys Solar——

Hayleys Solar, the renewable energy arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited, predominantly focuses on Solar PV installations for the residential, commercial, and industrial market segments, as well as utility-scale projects, enabling greater utilisation of sustainable energy resources in the country. Hayleys Solar has successfully completed over 250 MWp of solar installations island-wide, making it the undisputed leader in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) in Sri Lanka.

About Martin Bauer Hayleys (Private) Limited

Martin Bauer Hayleys (Pvt) Ltd is a joint venture between Sri Lanka’s Hayleys PLC and Germany’s Martin Bauer Group (MBG), established in 2016. Combining Hayleys’ expertise in Pure Ceylon Tea extracts with MBG’s global leadership in botanical products, the partnership meets rising global demand for high-quality tea extracts and herbal ingredients. Specialising in powders, concentrates, aromas, and flavors, Martin Bauer Hayleys aims to capture significant market share in functional foods, leveraging shared values in social, environmental, and ethical responsibility.