Kobashi Essential Oils invest in renewable energy
Scott and Lynda Ballard, owners of Kobashi Essential Oils in Dunsford on the outskirts of Dartmoor National Park, are living proof that personal experiences really can influence the way you approach your business. Scott's upbringing in 1970s America gave him first-hand experience of the desperate scenes that fuel poverty can evoke, which has ultimately driven the couple's determination to become self-sustainable at their business's farm and warehouse.
As a result the Ballard's have recently invested in a 61 kW ground-mounted solar PV system, designed and installed by Exeter-based specialist SunGift Energy. It is designed to complement the impressive array of existing renewable energy technologies at Kobashi Essential Olis, which supplies to the general public, therapists, clinics and hospitals worldwide.
"Since around 2000, I have been interested in renewable energy options," said Scott Ballard. "Growing up in America in the 1970s witnessing the fights at the pumps when the fuel ran out and living in air polluted cities LA and NYC taught me that relying on fossil fuels was not an option. When your business is built on the healing power of nature, finding ways to be kind on the environment to ensure the longevity of your product is of paramount importance, and Lynda and I believe wherever and whenever we can, we should create our own sustainable cleaner energy. Long-term energy security through cleaner renewable energy is crucial to the future of not only our business, but also to everyone."
Exeter-based SunGift designed and installed the bespoke 61 kW ground mounted solar PV system, which integrates perfectly with The Ballard's existing energy-saving measures and renewable energy technologies.
Oliver Grogono of Sungift said: "Kobashi's ground-mounted system is a prime example of how financially beneficial solar PV arrays can be for farmers, landowners, and any businesses that have spare land or roof space available to generate their own renewable energy. Feed-in Tariffs mean that returns of 18 per cent per annum are not uncommon for businesses, and with rising energy costs, the benefits will be even greater in the future."
The Ballard's efforts are now generating so much energy renewably that in addition to using the energy they generate on site the PV has exported 81,301kwh back to the grid (that's the equivalent electricity used by 24.63 homes in a year.)
In addition to the many measures that they already have in place the Ballards are determined to continue with their path towards 100% sustainability. Scott added: "We have just put a down payment on an Outlander PHEV 4WD SUV capable of 148 miles per gallon, which will be powered by the PV solar system. We only drive an average of eight miles a day, so in theory with its 32 mile range we can plug in and never use petrol again!"
