Ehrmann Cornish Dairy

ZLC Energy supported one of Cornwall’s busiest food processing facilities with a multi‑phase solar PV upgrade engineered to work within tight rural grid constraints, cutting energy costs and carbon emissions.

System Size

750kWp

Energy GeneratED

698,000 kWh/year

Carbon Reduction

189 tonnes kg/year

ANNUAL ROI

21%

Ehrmann Cornish Dairy logo in blue and white

About Ehrmann Cornish Dairy

Ehrmann Cornish Dairy is one of Cornwall’s leading food processing businesses, rooted in the Clarke family’s former Trewithen Dairy and strengthened by its 2024 acquisition by the Bavarian, third‑generation Ehrmann Group. Today the company combines Cornish heritage with international expertise, working with more than 40 local farmers to produce clotted cream, milk, yoghurt, butter and high‑protein desserts for customers across Cornwall and the wider UK, all from a high‑demand processing site that operates around the clock.

Aerial view of the Ehrmann Cornish Dairy processing site with surrounding rural landscape.

What was their goal?

Their goal was to tackle rising energy costs and ageing site infrastructure while reducing operational carbon and strengthening long‑term sustainability performance. As a high‑demand rural processing facility, they needed a solution that worked within strict grid limits without disrupting production.

How did we help?

Our team assessed the feasibility of all potential carbon-reduction solutions, including energy efficiency measures, water efficiency, and renewable energy options. From this, ZLC Energy has installed 150kW of ground-mounted Solar PV in 2015 and 600kW of roof-mounted Solar PV in 2024. The site has a grid connection challenge, which we have worked hard withWestern Power and the customer to resolve.

Key Features

  • 150kW Ground Mounted Solar PV
  • 600kW Metal Roof Solar PV
  • 430W Trina Solar Panels
  • Solis Inverters
  • Renusol Mounting
  • Safe delivery on live food processing facility
  • Road crossing with cable
  • Poor ground conditions
  • Phase 1 installed in October 2015 in 2 weeks, and phase 2 was installed in April—May 2024 over 4 weeks

Client testimonials

"Mark and the team have provided excellent follow-up care and continue to support us with our energy requirements. I would happily recommend ZLC Energy"

Francis Clarke

Head of Procurement

View Our Services

  • Solar PV

    Solar is one of the most popular and effective ways for businesses to reduce costs and carbon emissions. We design and install commercial solar PV systems tailored to your site and energy goals, helping you generate clean, reliable power and become more energy independent, all with honest advice and quality workmanship.

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  • Heat Pumps

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  • Wind Solutions

    We turn the UK’s natural wind resource into a dependable, long-term energy asset. From feasibility and design through to installation and aftercare, our commercial wind systems help businesses generate clean electricity and reduce reliance on the grid.

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  • Battery Storage

    We design smart battery storage systems that give your business greater control over its energy. Store excess power from solar or wind, reduce grid dependency, and protect your operations from rising costs, all with a future-ready solution built for resilience and reliability.

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