Filtrine Manufacturing Company now powers its entire operation in Keene, New Hampshire, with solar energy with the recent addition of a 793.1-kW rooftop array.
The system installed this fall by ReVision Energy includes 2,234 solar panels and generates over 900 MWh of solar electricity per year. Another 30-kW array installed in 2013 includes 120 solar panels and supplies 35,000 kWh on an annual basis.
Combined, the arrays offset Filtrine’s entire electric load and represent one of the largest solar projects in the Monadnock Region. After a five-year payback period, the company will generate solar power at no cost for decades to come.
“Filtrine, which was founded in 1901, has always been concerned about sustainability,” said Company President Peter Hansel. “Our products promote the wise use of water both for drinking and process applications, and we are committed to producing them with the least impact on our environment.”
Five years ago, Filtrine contracted with students from Antioch University New England to evaluate its environmental footprint. The findings provided the manufacturer with a baseline from which to inform its decision-making and to evaluate its progress.
A one million BTU wood chip boiler installed two years ago by Froling Energy reduced the company’s reliance on oil by 90%. Other improvements included the installation of solar hot water collectors, insulation and LED lighting, in addition to the purchase of energy-efficient machinery.
In January of 2019, Keene’s City Council passed a resolution setting a goal of achieving 100% renewable energy for the entire community by 2030 for electricity and by 2050 for heating and transportation. Filtrine hopes that the steps it has taken will help Keene move in this direction and provide learning opportunities for other businesses.
News item from ReVision Energy
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