The power of solar at Stepan’s Salto, Brazil facility

March 28, 2024

Stepan Company offers quality products that meet today's market needs, while at the same time, continuing to explore ways in which we can reduce our environmental impact at our global manufacturing locations. Our manufacturing teams regularly assess current processes and systems for opportunities to reduce our environmental impact.

Stepan’s Salto, Brazil, manufacturing facility implemented a renewable energy project in 2023 that leverages solar power and is already positively impacting the company.

Before implementing the solar project, a single public distributor of hydroelectric power provided the plant’s electricity. At the same time, the region was also experiencing an extreme water crisis that put the plant and region at risk of suffering power rationing or a collapse in the electricity supply from this hydropower source.

To reduce demand for the hydroelectric power system, the operations team evaluated alternative renewable energy options and ultimately decided to implement a solar project. Stepan installed 640 solar panels on the roof of the manufacturing plant. The site collects solar energy and sends it to the local energy provider using three inverters.

“Since implementing the project, we have been able to cover 100% of the sites’ electricity,” explained Hélio Levra, Plant Manager. “Some days, we produce more solar power than others. It works like a bank with our energy provider.”

Stepan teams continue to look for ways to deliver manufactured products more sustainably.

Click here for more information on Stepan’s sustainability efforts and our focus on being a strong community partner.