Image © National Lumber Company
Did you know that Massachusetts is one of the best states for solar power? With the percentage of sunny days we have in Massachusetts annually, this clean energy source is good for the environment, as it helps us move away from fossil fuels. It is good for business in providing a reliable energy source and cost savings, which allows businesses to produce more and be more efficient. Reducing costs means that money can then be spent elsewhere in the business. It is good for employment at the company using this energy source and creates local jobs for installing solar equipment.
National Lumber Company and our manufacturing division, Reliable Truss and Components, Inc., have spent $2.1 million to install solar panels on all three of our buildings in the Welby Park Industrial Park, off Exit 5 of Route 140, in New Bedford, MA. This is one of the largest roof panel installations in the state with just over one megawatt of solar energy production. Our average electric cost has been $135,000 per year. With tax credits, we expect to recoup the installation costs within four years. Then, we expect to save 75% annually to run our manufacturing facility for wood trusses and other structural components, as well as their offices, National Lumber retail store and drive thru lumberyard. Since the store will have the lowest electric usage, the power generated will be shared with the manufacturing buildings.
Image © National Lumber Company
National Lumber is a third generation family owned and operated company that takes environmental responsibilities seriously. As the largest independent building materials supplier in New England, we are a leader in the industry. At National Lumber, Green has a significant purpose, and that is to promote a real and meaningful environmental impact on the way we run our business and promote products to customers.
We believe that “Going Green” is about protecting the environment for all of our children. In addition to offering various environmentally friendly products, such as FSC certified lumber, we have implemented other Green Initiatives to improve procedures in our offices and manufacturing.
The old adage, “Waste not, want not”, has been optimized with modern technology. Office functions have been converted to paperless wherever possible. Office supplies are carefully managed with reusable items such as interoffice envelopes, then paper and cardboard are recycled. Auto-timers are used for more efficient heating and cooling offices; lighting indoors and outdoors are on timers. Our fleet of vehicles is kept at optimal operating condition for fuel efficiency and we have a “no idling” directive. Efficient planning of deliveries provides additional savings. Solar power was the next logical step.
Image © National Lumber Company
The installer, SolarFlair is a privately owned company based in Massachusetts. They know the area, building styles, codes and regulations to make solar power work well for businesses. The company was founded with a mission to deliver cost effective clean energy solutions to residential and commercial clients in Massachusetts. They have decades of experience in the solar energy industry and electrical power systems. In addition to their knowledge of solar technology, they offer creative financing mechanisms to deliver a product that will meet energy goals and save money for both commercial and residential clients.
Kitchen Views | Kitchen Design Blog
Shawn McCadden's RRPedia
National Lumber's Blog 