Allsteel's 'Solar
Sunflowers' - Iowa Furniture Manufacturer is First in State to Utilize
Outdoor Sol...
Sep 19, 2005 - PR Newswire
Energy-Saving "Sunflowers" Provide 300 kWh of Energy per Month -
Enough to Power 40 Laptop Computers, Eight Hours a Day
MUSCATINE, Iowa, Sept. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- From Van Gogh to your
neighbor next door, everyone seems to have a special affinity toward
sunflowers. The giant flowers, which resemble the sun itself, adorn
public and private gardens across the U.S.
But in Muscatine, Iowa, the members of Allsteel Incorporated, a
leading designer and manufacturer of office furniture, have become
accustomed to a sunflower all their own. While not yellow in color,
Allsteel's sunflowers are something to be seen. Measuring more than 20
feet high and encompassing 150 square feet of Allsteel's garden, these
"solar sunflowers" generate one percent of the energy required to power
the needs of Allsteel's 200 members in the company's headquarters
building. This equates to enough energy to power 40 laptop computers,
eight hours a day; or the amount of energy needed to run half of the
electricity needed for the average home for a month.
Planting the Seed
The idea for the Solar Sunflowers "germinated" from a meeting held
with Allsteel's Environmental Manager, Scott Lesnet; and John Root,
Energy Services Advisor for Muscatine Power and Water.
According to Lesnet, "At Allsteel, sustainability is not just about
Allsteel products. It's the result of good people making responsible
choices for the right reasons. For the last 20 years, we've been
integrating environmental management into our manufacturing processes;
and we wanted to extend that commitment to other areas of our business.
It was only natural to look at the energy efficiency of our headquarters
building."
Lesnet met with Root to begin brainstorming energy-saving concepts.
The two reviewed a number of ideas and confirmed the most efficient
solution moving forward was with an array of solar panels.
"Reducing energy is one thing, but using alternative forms of
renewable energy is a separate concept," added Lesnet. "One of our
environmental initiatives at Allsteel is promoting alternative forms of
energy, and the solar panels affirm our commitment."
The Solar Sunflowers were installed on Allsteel's property in
October, 2004 at a cost of $27,000. The solar array will offer 18 years
of energy production and provide an average of 300 kWh of energy when
the company needs the energy most.
"One of the most unique aspects of the solar array is that, unlike
wind generation or other alternative forms of energy, it provides energy
at peak times and corresponds to utility needs," said Root. "For
example, the solar array generates the greatest amount of energy during
the summer months - when air conditioners, fans and other power-guzzling
mechanisms are used most often. This is ideal for a company like
Allsteel, because it provides energy when traditional prices are at
their highest."
Green Power
So, how do these giant sunflowers produce that much energy? According
to Lesnet, it's really quite simple.
"The solar array receives the natural sunlight on 12 panels on each
sunflower," he explained. "The electricity generated by the array is
sent underground directly into a control panel in our building and is
dispersed where it is needed most. If the array generates too much
energy; it is fed back into the grid until the energy is needed."
In addition to the energy savings provided by the solar array, there
are a number of key benefits, including:
- Maintenance free - once installed, the Solar Sunflowers are
self-sufficient and do not require any maintenance on behalf of
Allsteel or Muscatine Power and Water.
- Tax Credit - the State of Iowa has a 1.5 cent production credit for
solar energy, which went into effect in 2004.
- Quick Payback - in addition to the tax credit, the payback on the
solar
array is very short - just ten years.
- Additional Energy Conservation Tactics - according to Lesnet, the
installation of the panels has sparked a number of complementary
energy-saving activities at Allsteel:
- High efficiency lighting
- Large motor review - Allsteel is looking at ways to start large
manufacturing machines with less energy
- Energy analysis - a team is currently reviewing overall how the
company uses electricity and how it can conserve this valuable
resource
The Next Crop
Allsteel's Solar Sunflowers have been "growing" for almost a year
now, and both the company and Muscatine Power & Water are extremely
pleased with their results. In fact, the electric company has used
Allsteel as an example when promoting the array to other area
businesses. And Allsteel is considering supplementing the solar array by
installing roof-top solar panels to its building.
"Beyond the energy-savings of the solar array, one of the most
significant benefits we've seen is in the eyes of our Allsteel members
and customers," explained Lesnet. "Everyone here is extremely committed
to the environment and our sustainability initiatives, yet most of our
energy-saving measures are 'invisible' to the average member and
customer. The sunflowers provide a great visual statement to our
commitment to the environment and demonstrate that we're not just
talking green - we're really making a difference." SOURCE Allsteel
Incorporated
© Copyright 2005 NetContent, Inc. Duplication and
distribution restricted.
Visit http://www.powermarketers.com/index.shtml
for excellent coverage on your energy news front.
|