Powering Cold Storage Operations with a 20 kW On-Grid Solar System
This project highlights the successful installation of a 20 kW UTL on-grid solar system for a commercial cold storage facility. Designed to support high energy demand and continuous operations, the solar solution helped the business significantly reduce electricity costs while maintaining reliable power for temperature-sensitive storage.
Major Challenges
Before installing solar, the cold storage’s monthly electricity bill ranged between ₹35,000 and ₹40,000, prompting the need for a more cost-efficient energy solution.
- Monthly electricity bill: ₹35,000–₹40,000
- perational requirement: Continuous power supply
- Concern: Rising electricity costs affecting overall profitability
The owner was looking for a long-term solution to reduce operational expenses without compromising power reliability.
UTL Solar Solution Implemented
To address these challenges, the professional UTL Solar team installed a 20 kW on-grid solar power system.
This installation was completed in 3 phases:
- Existing 10 kW solar system was already installed earlier
- Recently, an additional 10 kW was added
- Total system capacity is now 20 kW
The system is specifically designed for commercial use, making it ideal for cold storage applications.
Key Components Installed by UTL Solar
1. Solar Inverter
- 20kW three-phase on-grid solar inverter
- Supports 30% extra solar panel capacity that allows future expansion
- Wide AC input voltage range: 160V–290V
- Equipped with a high-efficiency MPPT controller with over 99% efficiency
- Digital display for real-time monitoring of generation parameters
- App-based monitoring for remote tracking of solar performance
2. Solar Panels
- UTL 540 Watt solar panels
- 18 panels were installed in the recent phase
- Non-DCR panels were selected, making them budget-friendly for commercial projects
- Bifacial technology generates power from both front and rear sides
- Performance warranty: 27 years
- Product warranty: 10 years
Non-DCR solar module were selected because commercial projects do not qualify for government subsidies which makes them a more economical option.
Mounting Structure & Safety Measures
Structure
- High-rise mounting structure to maximize bifacial panel efficiency
- Made of heavy-duty hot-dip galvanized iron (GI)
- Designed to last 25–30 years
- Corrosion-resistant, strong, and suitable for long-term commercial use
Safety & Protection
- ACDB and DCDB boxes installed
- Proper earthing provided
- Lightning arrester installed for surge protection
- Ensures complete system safety and operational reliability
Results & Performance
After installing the 20 kW solar system, the results were clearly visible:
- Monthly electricity bill reduction: ₹15,000–₹20,000
- Improved cost control for cold storage operations
- Reliable performance with minimal maintenance
- Significant reduction in dependence on grid power
The owner confirmed that the system is performing efficiently and meeting expectations.
Customer Experience & Feedback
“We run a cold storage at Arvind Enterprise where different milk and dairy products are stored. Because this work runs almost 24 hours, our electricity consumption is quite high. Earlier, before installing the solar system, our monthly electricity bill used to come to around ₹35,000–₹40,000.
After installing this total 20 kW solar setup, our electricity bill has been reduced by nearly ₹15,000–₹20,000 per month, which is a big relief for us.”
Conclusion
This 20 kW on-grid solar installation at Arvind Enterprise demonstrates how commercial cold storage units can significantly reduce electricity costs while ensuring reliable performance during grid availability. With high-efficiency components, robust safety measures, and a scalable design, UTL Solar delivered a cost-effective and future-ready solution for heavy-load commercial applications.
