At Alsco Uniforms Australia, we’ve taken a bold step toward energy independence and environmental stewardship Powering Cairns Sustainably: Alsco Uniforms’ 233 kW Solar Energy System
At Alsco Uniforms, we’ve taken a bold step toward energy independence and environmental stewardship with the installation of a 233 kW Solar PV System at our Cairns branch. This investment not only helps us overcome the site’s unique energy challenges but also strengthens our position as a leader in sustainable operations across regional Australia.
Background & Drivers
Operating in a regional location like Cairns comes with unique energy supply constraints.
Installing solar allowed us to:
- Futureproof the site for electrification and energy resilience,
- Take responsibility for lowering our carbon emissions by generating clean, green, renewable electricity,
- Reduce energy costs and increase energy independence.
To support this transition, we also upgraded our Main Switchboard (MSB) and installed a Power Factor Correction Unit, ensuring our infrastructure is ready for future expansion and electrification.
System Performance & Financials
Our solar system is designed to generate 1.029 GWh annually, covering 59% of our electricity needs through direct solar consumption. The remaining 41% is exported, particularly on weekends when operational demand is lower.
Key Metrics:
- System Size: 233.1 kW
- Annual CO₂e Reduction: 614 tonnes
That’s the equivalent of removing 135 cars from Cairns’s roads or planting more than 9,200 trees every year, a tangible impact for our community.
Case Study: Weekend Solar Export
On weekends, our operations scale down, allowing up to 49% of generated solar energy to be exported back to the grid. This not only offsets our costs but also contributes clean energy to the local network, supporting community-wide sustainability goals. We’re also assessing the feasibility of thermal storage and behind-the-meter solar consumption to generate and store free hot water on site, further reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Why Solar Works for Regional Industry
Solar provides strong advantages for regional businesses like ours:
- Predictable, low-cost energy from a free resource
- Reduced exposure to grid price and demand fluctuations
- Stronger ESG performance for customers and stakeholders
- Scalable infrastructure for future electrification (EV fleets, heat pumps, etc.)
Conclusion
Our Cairns solar initiative is more than a cost-saving measure — it’s a blueprint for sustainable industrial operations in regional Australia. With nearly $1 million in projected savings over 15 years and a major reduction in carbon emissions, this project proves how smart energy investments can deliver long-term value for our business, our community, and the planet.
