A 1-MW rooftop solar panel system has been completed in Pennsylvania. It is the sixth largest in the state. The system became operational earlier in June and now supplies half of plastic tubing manufacturer NewAge’s energy needs.
“To see what you’ve done here is quite phenomenal,” says U.S. Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick to the company. “You’re demonstrating an example a lot of other manufacturing organizations should take a look at.”
The solar project was financed in part by a $1 million solar energy program grant from Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development. Federal grant dollars of approximately $1.2 million are expected to be received next month. The total project cost was $4.2 million.
“As a responsible manufacturer, we’ve taken a number of green steps over the past several years, but the solar energy project was definitely the most ambitious,” states Ken Baker, NewAge’s CEO. “It’s a great way to use renewable energy, help our community, and contribute to our bottom line.”
NewAge partnered with Borrego Solar Systems Inc., based in California, for the design and installation of the system. The over 4,000 solar panels of the installation were made in the U.S. by SolarWorld USA of Hillsboro, Oregon. The racks that support the panels and the inverters, which convert the electrical current, were also manufactured in the U.S. “We wanted to work with U.S.-based companies and use U.S.-made parts,” says Baker. “We’re very pleased we were able to do that.”
The project started last summer with upgrades to NewAge Industries’ roof. Solar panels now cover three-quarters of the rooftop on the 244,000 square foot building located in Southampton, Bucks County, Pa.
“It’s great to be able to do something so incredibly useful and green with the space on our rooftop,” Baker says. “Saving money on our electric bill is a bonus.”
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