Staar Surgical, a leading manufacturer of implantable lenses used in ophthalmic surgery, has made a move to safeguard its manufacturing operations against power outages caused by extreme weather events. By inaugurating a 1.1MW grid-tied microgrid powered by solar energy at its facility in Lake Forest, California, the company is not only reducing energy costs but also improving sustainability.
The new system, powered by a 780kW SolarEdge DC-optimized inverter solar system installed on the facility’s roof and carports, is expected to cut Staar Surgical’s energy costs by 50%, saving approximately $325,000 annually. In addition, excess solar energy produced during the day will be stored in a 450kW battery to power the site’s 24/7 production lines and provide essential backup in the event of power outages. This innovative approach not only saves money but also ensures uninterrupted production, preventing potential losses caused by spoiled production runs.
SolarEdge under the hood
The microgrid, designed, installed, and maintained by building and solar contractor ReVamp Energy, features custom-made switchgear that automatically switches the site’s energy supply to backup power in the event of a power outage. It is also manageable via the SolarEdge monitoring platform, allowing real-time tracking of key parameters such as solar energy production, consumption, and battery energy levels.
By implementing this solar-powered microgrid, Staar Surgical is not only demonstrating its commitment to sustainability but also ensuring the reliability and efficiency of its manufacturing operations, setting a new standard for the industry.
