Solar Power and the Energy Challenge of the Footwear Industry

The footwear industry is one of Vietnam’s key export sectors and ranks among the top energy-consuming industries. Unlike the constant base load characteristics of cold storage or logistics, footwear manufacturing exhibits a load profile that fluctuates significantly based on production shifts. 

Even with 24/7 operations to meet urgent orders, the peak load consistently coincides with daylight hours, the period when all cutting lines, sewing stations, and auxiliary systems operate at maximum capacity. This synergy transforms energy into a critical factor that directly impacts the marginal cost per product and the ability to comply with international 'green supply chain' standards

In the context of volatile electricity prices and increasingly stringent environmental standards across global supply chains, energy is no longer a “supporting utility” behind production. For the footwear industry, energy is gradually becoming a core component of long-term competitiveness.
Daytime Production Cycles and Peak Electricity Pressure

Delving into operational structures, energy demand in footwear factories extends beyond cutting, sewing, or sole-pressing lines to include air compression and ventilation systems, high-intensity energy consumers. During peak production periods, maximum output requirements create a sharp load profile, placing direct strain on electrical infrastructure and causing a surge in peak-hour tariffs. 

This effectively creates a dual risk: eroding profit margins while leaving the business vulnerable to grid instability during sensitive hours. In an industry where reputation is inextricably linked to lead time, the energy challenge is not about total annual consumption, but rather the ability to master and stabilize on-site power supply during critical production windows. Rooftop Solar: A Natural Fit for the Footwear Industry

Rooftop solar power aligns naturally with the operational rhythm of footwear manufacturing. Solar systems generate the most electricity during the day—exactly when factories operate at their highest capacity. This allows solar energy not only to reduce electricity costs, but also to relieve peak-load pressure, when both costs and operational risks are highest.

The core value of solar power in the footwear industry lies not in replacing the grid, but in supplementing energy supply at the right time and for the right demand. When properly implemented, rooftop solar also creates an energy data foundation, enabling businesses to move toward structured energy management rather than simply reacting to electricity bills.

Practical implementation across footwear manufacturers demonstrates that solar effectiveness depends largely on how the operational challenge is defined.

At Creative Company (Thai Binh), a 100% foreign-invested enterprise specializing in leather footwear exports, SolarBK deployed a rooftop solar system with a capacity of 3,628 kWp in 2022. The system generates an average of 342,588 kWh per month, reducing approximately 4,481 tons of CO₂ annually, equivalent to planting 197,405 trees.
For Jim Brother’s Group (Binh Duong)—a fully foreign-owned manufacturer producing sports footwear for Adidas, SolarBK implemented a 1,000 kWp rooftop solar system in 2020. The project effectively optimized daytime electricity consumption, achieving emissions reductions equivalent to 41,939 additional trees.

At Bach Nang Company (Quang Ninh), SolarBK installed a rooftop solar system with a total capacity of 388.8 kWp in 2022, generating 427,527 kWh annually. This project reflects the growing trend among mid-sized footwear manufacturers to proactively manage energy use and move toward sustainable production.

The common denominator across these projects is not system size, but SolarBK’s operationally driven approach, analyzing load profiles, shift patterns, and production characteristics before designing solutions. This ensures that solar power becomes an integrated part of the production system rather than a standalone investment. As global supply chains increasingly emphasize emissions reduction and energy transparency, solar power is emerging as a foundational energy solution tailored to the footwear industry’s production characteristics. When applied correctly, solar power not only reduces costs but also strengthens competitiveness and long-term adaptability.

 If your footwear factory is considering rooftop solar and would like to assess a solution aligned with your actual production schedule, please leave your phone number or contact details. SolarBK’s team will proactively consult based on load profiles, shift structures, and specific operational conditions.