More sustainable orchids at satter orchids
Satter Orchids aims to grow millions of orchids every year in a responsible, sustainable way. The recently installed solar array of over 5,500 solar panels is part of that ambition. Capital invested by Satter? None! The result of a great collaboration between Satter Orchids, Pon Power and financier Société Générale Equipment Finance.
Family business with a sustainable focus
Satter is a family business with a long-term focus on innovation and sustainability - two ingredients which get their orchids on the shelves of big retail organisations. Since the energy crisis, which started with the war in Ukraine, that ambition to achieve innovation and sustainability has also seamlessly linked up with their ambition for cost control. With the upcoming energy tax for the horticulture industry, due to be introduced in 2025, it is particularly important to be as self-sufficient as possible when it comes to power supply.
André Satter explains: “Sustainability and cost control really go hand in hand. With our new solar array, we are not only significantly reducing our ecological footprint, but we will also benefit financially by largely managing the cost price ourselves. We now have around 7,500 solar panels, enabling us to limit our gas consumption by around 70%. And we also save another 10% because we convert solar energy into thermal energy via e-boilers. Soon we will be able to store 2 megawatts in thermal storage and use it when there’s no sun.”
“Significantly reducing our ecological footprint and largely managing our cost price ourselves. That’s a win-win.”
The strength of Pon Power
When asked why Satter chose Pon Power, André is clear: “They radiate professionalism and reliability, and that gives you confidence. We already had Pon Power solar panels, so it was obvious to invite them for this project. Importantly, the project is about much more than merely installing the panels. The engineering, including the yield prognoses, were certainly hugely important to us. These are difficult calculations which were very valuable to us, also to be able to offer the excess on the market. Because that’s also part of the revenue model. Taking control of this energy issue is a real added value of Pon Power.”
Marcel Ameling, Account Manager Energy Solutions at Pon Power, agrees: “The current solar market is much more complex these days. Particularly in a project of this size! At Pon Power, we have all the knowledge and expertise to support the client from A to Z. For that reason, we embark on a project like this from the start and only leave when the desired power is delivered.”
“We not only install the solar panels, we can also manage everything else involved. So that a business owner can continue doing business.”
Sustainability without loss of liquidity
Obviously, finance also plays a role in projects of this size. A role to which Societe Generale Equipment Finance (SGEF) contributed in this project. The Solar installation was (pre) financed by SGEF, meaning that Satter Orchids was not required to invest any capital but is still the economic owner of the installation through a lease arrangement.
Stephan Broekers from SGEF: “We have a clear strategy to contribute to sustainable projects of our clients and partners. In this way, and in collaboration with Pon Power, we are helping Satter Orchids in their sustainable transition without investing liquid assets beforehand. As such, the ambitions of SGEF, Pon Power and Satter Orchids go hand in hand, and we help Satter Orchids make this sustainability step.”
“Ultimately, collaboration is key. Working together on sustainability is what it’s all about, and that’s what we are achieving together.”
