Thule, Inc. has installed a 318-kilowatt (kW) DC solar photovoltaic (PV) system by North Chelmsford, Massachusetts-based American Capital Energy on the roof of its Seymour, Conn., U.S. headquarters.
“We are experts in maximizing a vehicle's roof space and we are pleased to be able to use our building’s roof space to reduce and stabilize our energy cost,” says Fred Clark, president of Thule, Inc. “This installation represents yet another step Thule is taking to minimize our energy footprint. We have made substantial improvements in lighting, maintenance and operations over the past few years to achieve significant energy savings. In deciding to move forward with going solar at our facility, we chose American Capital Energy as our integrator because of their extensive and proven experience in large commercial solar projects."
The Thule solar PV system will consist of two separate arrays with a total of 1,876 solar panels. The PV system will supply an estimated 324,800 kWh annually, or about 26 percent of the facility’s total electrical needs. Thule will be hosting the system under a power purchase agreement (PPA), where Nautilus Solar Energy LLC, a developer of distributed generation and utility scale solar power projects, will own the solar system and Thule will purchase energy produced at a fixed price below current utility rate. This allows Thule to stabilize its energy costs and Nautilus to receive federal tax incentives, rebates and renewable energy credits associated with the project. The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund’s (CCEF) On-site Renewable Distributed Energy (DG) Program is providing a $1.3 million grant to subsidize the system.
“Thule will enjoy two distinct advantages by using the power purchase agreement model to go solar - controlled energy cost and minimal capital investment,” says Tom Hunton, president of American Capital Energy, the company designing and installing the Thule system. “We look forward to working with Thule, Nautilus Solar Energy and the CCEF to provide Thule with a system that will generate low cost electricity for a minimum of 25 years.” For more information, visit www.thuleracks.com. |
