CYPRESS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Somerset Tire Service, Inc. (STS), the largest independent tire and automotive service company in the Northeast US, has installed a one megawatt DC solar electric (photovoltaic) system on the roof its distribution center in Bridgewater, NJ. The solar array includes 5,488 185-watt solar modules manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric and installed by Advanced Solar Products (ASP).
The system, which uses solar modules with 100-percent lead-free solder, is estimated to produce 1,197 MWh of electricity per year, nearly eliminating the company’s power bill and output of greenhouse gases. Since going live in early April the system has surpassed its expected production of electricity.
The project is financed in part by the federal renewable energy treasury grant, and the sale of New Jersey solar renewable energy credits (SRECs), which will be generated by the system over 15 years.
The distribution center sits on a property formerly operated by an industrial manufacturing company. STS, the former occupant, and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, worked together with environmental engineers to remediate soils and redevelop the site.
“We have built the trust of our customers through honest and ethical business practices for over 50 years,” said STS President Bill Caulin. “Redeveloping this site and installing solar was not only the right thing to do for our community and environment, but also made sense financially.”
“STS made an admirable commitment to the township to develop an environmentally sustainable facility,” said ASP President and CEO Lyle Rawlings. “Installing a solar array was an important part of achieving that goal, so they built their roof to maximize the benefit from their system. We were delighted to participate in this integrated green design project.”
“We are honored that STS, a 100 percent employee-owned company with a long history of serving its customers and community, has installed our modules in their environmental redevelopment project,” said Gina Heng, vice president and general manager of Mitsubishi Electric’s photovoltaic division. “They will reap the benefit of their investment for many years to come.”
Through the nomination by Bridgewater Mayor, Patricia Flannery, the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) awarded STS with a 2011 New Good Neighbor Award for the sustainable features of their facility. In addition to the solar array, the distribution center maximizes use of natural daylight and has a white roof membrane to reflect heat.
About Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA’s Photovoltaic Division
Mitsubishi Electric is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and providers of solar power technology. The company’s eco-friendly photovoltaic systems are used throughout the world to bring clean, reliable energy to residences, businesses, power generation plants, schools, factories, and more. Mitsubishi Electric photovoltaic panels are marketed by Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc., and sold only through approved distributors and installers. To learn more, visit www.MitsubishiElectricSolar.com, or call 714-220-2500.
About STS
Founded in 1958, STS (dba STS Tire & Auto Centers) is the largest independent tire and automotive service company in the Northeast, with retail locations throughout New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. STS is an employee-owned company that provides high quality automotive service, repairs and offers a large selection of brand name tires. For more information visit www.ststire.com.
About Advanced Solar Products (ASP)
Since 1991, Advanced Solar Products (ASP) has been the region’s premier engineering and construction firm in the field of solar energy and sustainable technologies, including their proprietary Solstice® mounting system. Principals of the firm have been New Jersey’s leaders in developing renewable energy policy and promoting green (LEED) construction. ASP’s experienced engineering team has designed and installed photovoltaic (PV) systems for New Jersey public schools, municipalities, commercial buildings, farms and major utilities.