Largest Commercial Solar Array in Georgia
The largest commercial solar array in the state was commissioned last week in Dalton, GA. USFloors, a nationwide leader in sustainable flooring, installed an 144.48 kW solar array on their facilities. USFloors President Piet Dossche explained, “The array is expected to more than cover the energy needs for our green building, producing enough energy to power 14 homes. As part of USFloors’ ongoing sustainability mission, we have more than quadrupled the amount of solar energy we provide to the community.” The array covers approximately 14,500 square feet, and is visible from I-75.
By producing solar power on site, USFloors is able to take advantage of excellent Government and Utility benefits; a 30% Federal Grant, a 35% State Tax Credit and accelerated depreciation. North Georgia EMC pays USFloors a premium for the solar power that it generates. Ownership of power provides business owners with the opportunity to hedge against dramatic cost increases, and carries strong financial benefits.
The system was installed by Alpharetta based United Renewable Energy, LLC. William Silva, President of United Renewable Energy LLC added that “USFloors continues to show leadership in sustainable manufacturing practices and job growth. This solar power system is impressive in it’s size alone, but more importantly because this is the largest commercial solar photovoltaic installation in Georgia since the 1996 Olympics.”
Installing this solar array is just one of the many sustainable practices of USFloors, a company actively working towards a solar powered future for Whitfield County. “Through our work with the Whitfield County Chamber, we have demonstrated how being sustainability stewards can benefit all local businesses,” said Dossche. This solar array created at least fifteen jobs, and preserved many more by reducing operating costs, developing a new industry and introducing Dalton’s business community to ways to stay sustainable and competitive.
About USFloors- USFloors’ commitment is to provide consumers and specifiers with beautiful and durable floors at a good value, while minimizing our impact on the environment and enhancing and improving it whenever possible. USFloors is committed to sourcing and utilizing sustainable resources for its flooring products whenever possible and specifying raw materials and processes that meet stringent U.S. and European environmental standards, USFloors NEVER sources from clear cut or unmanaged forests. USFloors continually strives to actively reduce its environmental and energy footprint, creating better indoor air quality and promoting Green Building through renewable energy and LEED initiatives.
About United Renewable Energy, LLC- Alpharetta, Georgia based United Renewable Energy, LLC (URE) delivers practical, economical, renewable energy solutions to businesses and homes throughout the East Coast. URE is the leading integrator of commercial photovoltaic solar electric power systems in the state of Georgia, and one of the fastest growing renewable energy companies in the country. URE’s president is a NABCEP Certified PV InstallerTM, and as Adjunct Coordinator of Solar Programs at Lanier Technical College, shares best practices with aspiring solar installers. URE is committed to promoting quality solar installations, to educating the public and promoting supportive legislation for renewable energy.