Pioneering peanut-butter maker manufacturer Pic's is adding another milestone to their business credentials.
They're the first peanut roastery in the country to be partially solar-powered.
Pic Picot outside Pic's Peanut Butter Factory Photo: supplied
Being in one of the sunniest parts of New Zealand in Nelson, it made sense to swap to a more sustainable energy source, Pic's founder Pic Picot tells Afternoons.
Nearly 500 solar panels cover the roof of their building and are expected to replace about 30 percent of Pic's power requirements over the year, he says.
“We just pull that [solar power] straight into our roaster and it’s become so cost-neutral that if there’s no price increases in the next 10 years [in power], it all pays for itself, so it’s become a no-brainer really.”
Based on the current power prices, Picot expects a five or six-year payback on the installation which will be almost covered by the value of the electricity they save on.
“If there’s any increase in power prices over the next six years, the array will be paid off faster than that and then we start saving money.
“But after five or six years, we own that whole array and we’re just getting the power for free, it’s fantastic.”
The move is also a sign of the company’s commitment to mitigate climate change, Picot says.
“I think as industries we have an opportunity that governments aren’t really able to leap into because they’ve got so many other things to consider and consumers, the level of inconvenience involved in giving up your motor car or reduce your emissions is really tough.
“But I think industries have the opportunity to actually take a lead on this and hopefully get the support of their customers.”
In April 2020, Pic's measured its carbon footprint with Ekos, a local social enterprise, to become an accredited Ekos 'Zero Carbon and Climate Positive' company.
“People may be paying a little bit extra for the peanut butter but I’m trusting that our customers will see the value in what we’re doing," Picot says.
“And for other companies to see this too, and they will hopefully see consumers turning away from companies that are not really making an effort and putting their money where they feel they’re doing some good.”
