February 10, 2025

Introduction 

Parilla Premium Potatoes, a prominent South Australian horticultural enterprise established by the Pye family in 1990, cultivates potatoes, carrots, and onions across various regions, including the Mallee and South-East areas. Headquartered in Virginia, SA, the company has consistently pursued innovative solutions to enhance productivity and sustainability.  

Challenge: Infrastructure Limitations Hindering Expansion 

As Parilla Premium Potatoes expanded, the company encountered significant electricity supply constraints at their Virginia headquarters. These limitations impeded operational efficiency and posed challenges to further growth, necessitating costly infrastructure upgrades such as transformer enhancements and new switchboard installations. 

Solution: Implementation of a Behind-the-Meter Solar System 

To address these challenges, Birdwood Business Finance invested in a substantial behind-the-meter solar energy system on behalf of Parilla Premium Potatoes under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement. The installation comprises more than 1.1 MW of solar across the two major production sites including a 500kW ground mounted array at the Virginia facility.  

This strategic move was designed to generate sufficient on-site renewable energy, thereby reducing dependence on the constrained grid supply and avoiding the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades. 

Results: Enhanced Efficiency and Sustainable Growth 

The adoption of the behind-the-meter solar solution yielded significant benefits for Parilla Premium Potatoes: 

• Cost Savings: By generating their own electricity, the company circumvented the substantial expenses associated with transformer and switchboard upgrades. 

• Operational Expansion: The reliable on-site energy supply facilitated uninterrupted operations and supported business growth without the limitations previously imposed by the grid. 

• Sustainability: The shift to renewable energy sources underscored the company's commitment to environmental stewardship and reduced its carbon footprint. 

This successful integration of solar energy not only resolved immediate operational challenges but also positioned Parilla Premium Potatoes as a leader in sustainable agricultural practices within the region.