How Solar is Helping K&K Produce Reduce Energy Costs

FROM A SMALL FAMILY ENTERPRISE TO A MARKET LEADER

Founded in 1984 by Tommy and Deirdre Kennedy, K&K Produce has grown from a small family-run operation into one of Ireland's leading suppliers of fresh potatoes, fruit and vegetables.

Now supported by the second generation of the Kennedy family, the business serves supermarkets, independent retailers, the food service industry and export markets, while staying true to the family values that have been at the heart of its success for over four decades.  

As an energy-intensive business with growing, packing and distribution operations, managing energy costs is an important part of K&K Produce’s success.

 
Why K&K Produce Chose Solar  

As a family-run business that operates seven days a week, K&K Produce relies heavily on energy to wash, grade and pack produce, as well as to power its cold storage facilities year-round. With sustainability and cost management becoming increasingly important to the business, the team continually looks for ways to improve efficiency, reduce waste and manage long-term operating costs.  
 
“For us, sustainability is becoming a much bigger part of the planning side of the business, looking at things like long-term energy costs; water usage and product waste; and what we can do to innovate on that side too,” says Thomas Kennedy, Financial Controller at K&K Produce. 
 
After hearing how other food and beverage businesses were benefiting from solar at an industry conference, K&K Produce explored how solar could help reduce energy costs and contribute to its sustainability goals, leading the business to partner with Electric Ireland. 

From Installation to Savings 

After assessing K&K Produce’s energy needs, Electric Ireland provided a tailored solar proposal, outlining the system size, expected energy generation and investment required. Supported throughout the SEAI grant application process, the business installed its solar panels in early 2026 as part of a major long-term investment. The results have been promising. 

“We believe it will produce 20 per cent of our energy a year, and we’re hoping for 25 per cent. That’s for our first phase. A second phase, which we hope to install in 2028, will save us another 15 per cent off our energy costs,” says Thomas. 

Building a More Sustainable Future  

For K&K Produce, solar is about more than reducing energy costs. As a business operating in a sector increasingly impacted by climate change and energy market uncertainty, investing in solar supports its long-term sustainability goals while providing greater control over future energy expenses.  

"The way we looked at it was as a long-term investment, rather than focus on the upfront cost. But we are seeing the benefits of it already.”

Start Your Solar Journey with Electric Ireland  

Request a call back today and discover how solar PV can power your business into a brighter, greener future.  

*This article is an edited and condensed version of content originally published in collaboration with The Irish Times and is reproduced here with permission.