August 2023 | Solar Energy

Hayleys Fentons Receives Prestigious CIOB Platinum Award for Sustainability Leadership in Sri Lanka’s Construction Industry

August 24, 2023 Avindya No Comments

Awarded for the PV-DG and Energynet Battery Backup System

Hayleys Fentons, the No. 1 Solar EPC and MEP contractor with over a decade of experience in providing engineering services in Sri Lanka, has been honoured with the Platinum Award in the category of Outstanding Sustainable Product. The award was received for the PV-DG and Energynet Battery Backup System introduced by Hayleys Solar: the renewable energy arm of Hayleys Fentons. The award was presented by the Ceylon Institute of Builders (CIOB) during the Annual Green Awards Ceremony held at the Galadari Hotel on 22nd July 2023.

The CIOB Green Award for products and systems recognizes exceptional leadership towards sustainability in the Sri Lankan construction industry. It aims to commend individuals, organizations, and products that have demonstrated remarkable innovation in advancing sustainable practices, contributing to environmental preservation, social responsibility, and economic resilience.

Upon receiving the prestigious Platinum Award, Hayleys Fentons Managing Director Mr Hasith Prematillake said, “We are grateful to the Ceylon Institute of Builders for this recognition, which motivates us to continue our commitment to excellence and a greener future.”

The CIOB Green Awards Products & Systems at the World Construction Symposium 2023 provided the platform for Hayleys Fentons to showcase their expertise and commitment to sustainable development. A panel of expert judges from esteemed universities worldwide evaluated the submissions, ensuring a thorough, transparent, and impartial selection process.

“The importance of our ‘PV-DG’ system was felt by Sri Lankan businesses during the mid-2022 fuel crisis. It played a crucial role in helping industries with solar rooftops sustain their operations efficiently, minimising the impact of frequent power outages on electricity costs and solar system production. As the market leader in renewable energy solutions in Sri Lanka, we are committed to providing tailored solutions to support our valued customers, during challenging times and beyond.” said Mr Roshane Perera, Director and CEO of Hayleys Solar.

Founded in 1919, Fentons is one of the first engineering companies to be established in Sri Lanka. With over a hundred-year legacy in solar, electrical, security, ICT, Fire, A/C, UPS, Facility management, and several other areas of engineering, Hayleys Fentons has grown to become a trusted pioneer in the industry that has made its mark and established an undisputed reputation across various other sectors.

Hayleys Solar partners with Dipped Products PLC

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Leading the Charge: Hayleys Solar Spearheads Dipped Products’ Renewable Energy Transition

August 21, 2023 Avindya No Comments

Hayleys Solar, the renewable energy arm of Hayleys Fentons, is proud to announce its partnership with Dipped Products PLC (DPL), on a groundbreaking corporate sustainability initiative.

Commencing on June 21st, 2023, the installation of a cutting-edge 1MW system at DPL’s Premier Gloves Manufacturing complex within the Biyagama Industrial Zone marked a key milestone in DPL’s commitment to embracing clean energy solutions. This development follows Hayleys Solar’s successful projects at DPL’s Sports Gloves Manufacturing complex in May 2023 and its site in Hanwella, which together account for 2.1 MW, saving an impressive 2,125,688.46 kilograms of CO2 annually.

As an export manufacturer, it is crucial to align with the global shift towards sustainability and carbon-friendly practices, strengthening brand reputation and appeal in international markets. Through its collaboration with Hayleys Solar, DPL has taken a bold step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency, harnessing solar power on-site, and aligning with its ambitious target of achieving 95% renewable energy usage by 2030.

As companies strive to mitigate their environmental impact and meet increasingly critical sustainability goals, partnerships like these demonstrate the positive change that can be achieved.

Hayleys Solar specializes in renewable energy and energy storage solutions for domestic, commercial, and industrial requirements, with over a decade of experience in catering to Sri Lanka’s clean energy needs. To date, the company has completed over 140MW of rooftop solar systems island-wide, making it the largest solar-based Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) company in the country, partnering with global tier-one and selected local suppliers to offer high-quality durable solutions at affordable prices.

Caption for the Photo:

From left – Shamika Gamage (Executive) , Chandika Rathnasiri (Director – Engineering and Indika Kulathunga (Director – Sales & Marketing), stand alongside Pushpika Janadheera (Managing Director of DPL), joined by Hasith Prematillake, (Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons), Roshane Perera (Executive Director and CEO of Hayleys Solar), Heshan Kathriarachchi (Assistant General Manager of Engineering Sales at Hayleys Solar), and Nisala Amarasekara, (Assistant General Manager of Corporate Projects at Hayleys Solar) to commemorate the signing of the agreement for a 1MW solar installation.

Handing over of the completion of Stafford Motors solar installation

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Hayleys Solar brings Energy Independence to Sri Lanka’s Automotive Giant, Stafford Motors

August 18, 2023 Avindya One Comment

Hayleys Solar, the renewable energy arm of Hayleys Fentons, as the No. 1 Solar provider in Sri Lanka, has enabled Stafford Motors, one of the largest automotive dealers in the country to achieve complete energy independence through a 1,184 MWh annual capacity solar installation.

This grid-connected rooftop solar installation, spans across six of their corporate offices located in Ja-Ela, Colombo, and Rattanapitiya, with a total of 2,524 solar panels. By utilizing the latest panel technology, the installation optimizes energy production throughout the day, ensuring maximum efficiency and cost reduction.

“This solar installation marks a significant milestone for Stafford Motors, signifying a major step towards reducing our carbon footprint. We are proud to collaborate with Hayleys Solar on this transformative initiative, which propels us closer to our primary environmental goal: diminishing reliance on the grid and striving for complete energy independence,” stated Dr. Kalinga Kaluperuma, Managing Director / CEO of Stafford Motor Co. (Pvt) Ltd.

Reflecting on the successful completion of the installation, Mr. Hasith Prematillake, Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons said, “We would like to extend our gratitude to Stafford Motors for placing their trust in us across their manufacturing footprint. So far, Hayleys Solar has completed over 140 Megawatts of Solar Power Systems all across the island, and we continue to support industries to transition to renewable energy.”

Mr. Roshane Perera, Director/CEO of Hayleys Solar, highlighted the significance of the solar installation, stating “Hayleys Solar has brought in the latest technology to effectively utilize solar power and minimize fuel costs during power outages for Stafford Motors. We are committed to working with our clients to deliver innovative and cost-effective solutions that make the switch to solar power a reality for businesses of all sizes.”

Dedicated to driving energy independence in Sri Lanka, Hayleys Solar is proud to be at the forefront of this important effort. The company’s expertise in solar technology and commitment to innovation and sustainability make it the ideal partner for businesses looking to strive for energy independence.

How to select the best suited battery for your solar system?

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How to select the best-suited battery for your Solar Power System

August 9, 2023 Avindya No Comments

Batteries play a crucial role in solar power systems, allowing users to store excess electricity generated by solar panels for later use during power outages, peak demand periods, or at night. Your solar energy setup will be more efficient and cost-effective if you choose the right battery.

Let’s guide you through choosing the perfect battery for your energy storage needs.

Step 1: Determine Your Energy Storage Needs

First, assess your energy storage needs to select the appropriate solar power system battery; analyze your electricity consumption patterns, and identify your backup power needs. The selected battery should have an appropriate capacity that matches or exceeds these energy storage needs. Additionally, consider the battery’s Depth of Discharge (DoD) capability, as some batteries cannot be fully discharged up to 100%.

Step 2: Choose the Right Battery Type Based on Budget, Lifespan, and Safety

There are several battery types available for solar power systems, each with its own advantages and limitations. Consider your budget, expected lifespan, and safety requirements when making your choice:

Lead-Acid Batteries:

– Common and affordable but have a shorter lifespan (approximately 300 cycles) and require regular maintenance. Available varieties include VRLA, Tubular, Flooded, and Sealed.

– VRLA batteries have an average lifespan depending on battery quality, operating conditions, and DoD levels, hence proper management is key.

– Tubular batteries are suitable for deep-cycle applications, offering higher DoD (around 50-80% and higher) compared to regular lead-acid batteries.

Lithium-ion Batteries:

– More expensive but offer a longer lifespan and require less maintenance.

– Lithium-ion Phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries have 6000-10,000 charging cycles, lasting over 16 years if discharged once daily.

Flow Batteries:

– An emerging technology with limited commercially available brands.

Step 3: Check Battery Features, Depth of Discharge, and Cycle Life

Evaluate the features of each battery type, paying attention to the Depth of Discharge (DoD) and cycle life. The DoD determines the usable capacity before recharging, while the cycle life indicates the number of charge/discharge cycles the battery can endure.

Step 4: Consider Environmental Conditions for Battery Storage

Ensure your battery is stored in optimal environmental conditions to maximize its lifespan and performance. Keep the battery in temperatures between 20°C to 25°C to prevent accelerated degradation. Extreme temperatures, high humidity, and direct sunlight exposure can harm battery health, so proper ventilation and moisture protection are essential.

Selecting the best-suited battery for your solar power system is crucial for optimal energy storage and cost-effectiveness. By carefully analyzing your energy storage needs, comparing battery types, and considering environmental factors, you can make an informed decision that ensures a reliable and sustainable solar energy solution for years to come.

Hayleys Solar, the renewable energy arm of Fentons Ltd predominantly focuses on Solar PV installations for the domestic, commercial, and industrial market segments as well as utility-scale projects to enable greater utilisation of sustainable energy resources in the country. Hayleys Solar has successfully completed over 140MW of solar installations island wide making it the undisputed leader in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) company in Sri Lanka.

PRESS RELEASE on Hayleys Fentons and Watchtower Agreement Signing

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Hayleys Solar partners with Watchtower Sri Lanka to Construct 2MWh Battery Backup System with Solar PV in Sri Lanka

August 3, 2023 Avindya No Comments

On May 18^th, Hayleys Solar, the renewable energy arm of Hayleys Fentons, partnered with Watchtower Sri Lanka to construct a 2MWh battery backup system powered by solar PV, designed to provide energy independence, offering up to three days of uninterrupted power.

This landmark project marks a significant milestone for the renewable energy sector in Sri Lanka and reinforces the nation’s commitment in transitioning to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.

The project will be executed in two phases, with the first phase already underway. This initial phase focuses on installing hybrid systems at 17 selected places of worship of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Sri Lanka, scheduled for completion by the end of September 2023.

The second phase, the construction of the battery backup system commenced in the third week of June at the Wattala headquarters of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Lanka, a non-profit organization which supports the administration of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Sri Lanka.

Sascha Balakrishnan, representing Watchtower Sri Lanka, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with Hayleys Solar, stating, “We are grateful to be working and collaborating with Hayleys Solar on the next phase of this project as well, which is a milestone for the country and the environment.”

Hasith Prematillake, Managing Director of Fentons Limited, highlighted the significance stating, “This partnership with Watchtower Sri Lanka is one example of our collaborative efforts with organisations and individuals to embrace renewable energy solutions in the country. With its remarkable scale, this landmark project will enable the integration of more renewable energy sources into the national grid, reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuel-based power generation, leading to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy mix.

Roshane Perera, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hayleys Solar, further commented, “This agreement highlights the confidence that international organisations have in our expertise in designing and implementing large-scale renewable energy projects. The project sets a precedent for renewable energy adoption, showcases environmental stewardship, and contributes to Sri Lanka’s clean energy transition.”