Baltic Fish Export installed a unique solar power plant: an innovation on the building’s wall
Another important step towards sustainability is the installation of an exceptional solar power plant at Baltic Fish Export in Biruliškės, mounted on the building’s wall.
This is an innovative solution not only in the Lithuanian context but also within the entire food industry, enabling more efficient use of energy and better adaptation to climate conditions.
Based on existing experience, solar energy is not new to BFE’s operations. As explained by Baltic Fish Export Director Virginijus Kancleris, the company had already installed a power plant on the roof of its facility on Industrijos Street back in 2024. However, the vertical installation of solar modules on a wall marks the first project of its kind in the company’s history.
“This solution was inspired by the successful experience of the Vičiūnai Group: a similar project had already been implemented in Plungė, so the Biruliškės power plant became a natural continuation of the group’s sustainability strategy,” says V. Kancleris.
The path to implementation: challenges and solutions
The project took approximately one year to complete. Although the initial plans seemed clear, in reality the team encountered various challenges: solutions had to be adjusted, and the pace of work was further slowed by an unusually cold winter. Nevertheless, despite these obstacles, the project was successfully completed.
The new power plant has a capacity of 176 kW and is expected to generate approximately 140,000–150,000 kWh of electricity annually.
Most companies within the Vičiūnai Group already use “green” electricity, but compared to traditional energy sources, this power plant could reduce CO₂ emissions by around 60 tons per year.
Why was wall-mounted installation chosen?
According to BFE Technical Manager Mindaugas Kumža, the decision to install the power plant on the building’s wall was driven by technical calculations.
“After assessing the load-bearing capacity of the roof structure and potential additional loads, wall-mounted installation proved to be the safest and most technically suitable alternative,” says M. Kumža.
Advantages of the power plant: efficiency even in winter
The vertical solar power plant at BFE was chosen for good reason—it offers several important advantages. As M. Kumža explains, first of all, it generates energy more efficiently in winter, as the low position of the sun above the horizon allows the modules to better capture direct sunlight.
In addition, as the BFE Technical Manager notes, snow does not accumulate on vertical surfaces, ensuring consistent operation even during the cold season. This solution also helps save space, as no additional roof area is required.
Finally, façade-mounted modules give the building a modern, technological appearance and contribute to the aesthetics of contemporary architecture.
Not only the BFE team worked on this project, but also experienced specialists from various fields within the Vičiūnai Group. Through joint efforts, a result was achieved that not only meets the highest technical standards but also creates long-term value for both the company and the environment.