P.G. Rix Farms & Stourgarden Ltd
Essex/Suffolk border, UK
Background and Business Model
P.G. Rix Farms has been cultivating onions across the Stour Valley since 1968, now operating in its third generation. Through Stourgarden, the group handles everything from field production and grading to packing and preparing onions - delivering to retail giants with precision and scale.
Remarkably, Stourgarden is recognised as the single supplier of onions to Tesco, providing supply 364 days a year across all UK depots. They handle over 100,000 tonnes annually, with advanced processing facilities that transform all out-grade onions into value-add products.
The ambition
Handling the full onion supply chain - but with energy-intensive operations like drying, storage, and processing meant consistent, affordable energy was essential. The goal was clear:
Achieve uninterrupted production cycles
Reduce reliance on grid energy and fluctuating costs
Support Stourgarden’s reliability as a supply partner to Tesco and other major food manufacturers
The Power in Partnership
RenEnergy began supporting P.G. Rix/Stourgarden with solar solutions, and because of the trust and operational sensitivity, the engagement grew into a multi-phase energy resilience strategy tailored to their vertically integrated operations.
The Solution Recap
Phase 1: P.G. Rix – Onion store (2012)
• PV Modules: 217
• Total Capacity: 50kWp
• Inverters: 1
Phase 2: Stourgarden – Grading Facility (2021)
• PV Modules: 780
• Total Capacity: 296.4 kWp
• Inverters: 10
Phase 3: Box Stores 1–2 Installation (2024)
• PV Modules: 920
• Total Capacity: 386.4 kWp
• Inverters: 2
Phase 4: Box Stores 3–6 Installation (2025)
• PV Modules: 1,380
• Total Capacity: 572.7 kWp
• Inverters: 4
Phase 5: Stourgarden Ltd Prep Factory (2025)
• PV Modules: 1,493
• Total Capacity: 686.78 kWp
• Inverters: 15
• Export Capacity: 200 kW
Watch the full story here:
1.99MWp
Total installed capacity
4,790
Solar panels installed
32
Inverters installed
Phase 4 was a particularly interesting project, as RenEnergy devised a technical solution that enabled the consolidation of three separate grid supplies into a new single supply. This allowed for greatly improved efficiency from this installation, and reduced standing charges by removing the two surplus supplies.
The Impact
The farm now powers her core operations - processing, storage, and grading -largely with clean energy. It ensures energy cost stability and operational reliability vital to meeting Tesco’s yearly supply requirements. Cold zones stay cool, machinery stays running, and the supply chain stays on track - regardless of grid outages or peak electricity rates. Stourgarden upholds its position as a trusted supplier, backed by sustainable energy practices and performance.
“Our integrated model from field to pack makes us unique - and energy resilience supports that entire process. RenEnergy listened, delivered, and became a partner we can rely on through all phases. My advice for other producers? Plan bigger, act smarter - and don’t underestimate the power of dependable renewables”.
John Rix, P.G. Rix / Stourgarden
Conclusion
P.G. Rix / Stourgarden exemplify how vertical integration meets sustainability through energy innovation. With a trusted partner in RenEnergy, they’ve fortified their supply reliability, reduced carbon emissions, and future-proofed their market leadership.
Powering agriculture - and supply chains - with renewable confidence.
P.G. Rix Farms & Stourgarden Ltd
Essex/Suffolk border
Note that all estimated performance figures are calculated using industry-standard systems and norms, assume ideal operating conditions, and would have been estimated as at the time of the installation.