Building Owners

After retrofit and PV array project, N.Y. beverage distributor gets to net-zero

Editor's note: This is a sponsored article. All text and images were provided by the sponsor company. Queens, N.Y.-based beverage distributor Big Geyser’s energy efficiency retrofit project and rooftop solar array installation have positioned the company’s facility to achieve net-zero power. The 408-kilowatt (kW) solar system has been providing all the electricity the facility needs, with potentially enough left over to charge future electric forklifts and delivery trucks.
Sept. 23, 2013
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Editor's note: This is a sponsored article. All text and images were provided by the sponsor company.

 

Queens, N.Y.-based beverage distributor Big Geyser’s energy efficiency retrofit project and rooftop solar array installation have positioned the company’s facility to achieve net-zero power. The 408-kilowatt (kW) solar system has been providing all the electricity the facility needs, with potentially enough left over to charge future electric forklifts and delivery trucks.

After finishing a successful lighting retrofit, the company decided to pursue solar to further cut energy costs. “We continue to reduce demand due to a cool roof and new projects like reflective window film,” says Rich Richer, CFO of Big Geyser. “As a result we have reduced our overall demand and are running [the meter] backward even though we run our business for 20 hours a day against supplying solar power for about 12 hours per day.”

(http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/25167)

About the Author

Jim Young

About the Author: A seasoned industry leader, Young combines deep understanding of both lighting and controls.  Currently VP of Sales and Marketing for WattStopper, Young formerly served in a series of senior positions with Acuity Brands®, most recently as Vice President and General Manager of the company's specialty lighting group.  He graduated from Sonoma State University with a degree in planning and energy management. 

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