ChinaTowne Furniture and Mattress Installs the First Commercial Solar Energy System in Solvay;
It’s “Switched” on November 15, 2010.
Click the photos above to see our contribution to Green Energy at work in real time!
To do our part in conserving energy and acting sustainably we have made the switch to solar power by installing 90 high efficiency polycrystalline solar modules atop their 100,000 sq. ft. furniture store to power our offices and retail establishment.
We are committed to being a leader in environmentally responsible retailing and have launched a committed, integrated approach with the goal of long-term resource sustainability.
Our President Jay Yennock says, “Being green is something everyone’s talking about – but it’s important to do something about it. We believe it’s a responsibility for every successful company here in Central New York. Launching a green initiative that makes a significant impact does require some investment – but it’s an investment we believe is necessary. We hope to inspire other businesses and consumers to follow our lead!”
The project was co-funded through rebates with the Independent Energy Efficiency Program. The IEEP is comprised of several municipally owned electric departments in New York State committed to energy-efficient technology that will help Solvay Electric Department customers save money and cut their energy costs.
Jay says “Solar energy is clean, renewable and sustainable, helping to protect our environment. It does not pollute our air by releasing carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide or mercury into the atmosphere like many traditional forms of electrical generations does. Therefore Solar Energy does not contribute to global warming, acid rain or smog.”
Now, with the solar panels installed, our company will reduce our energy consumption. While saving money, we are doing our part for the environment. The new system can generate capacity of about 20.7 kilowatts (kW), which will amount to about 15 -20% of our electric requirements.
According to John Montone from Solvay Electric, “China Towne’s initiative in the program has led the way for another three commercial applicants in our village. This is good for the environment and good for the village of Solvay. It’s a win-win for everybody both from a responsibility standpoint and an economic standpoint.”
In an innovative move, we will have a monitoring system right on the floor in the showroom of our store in Solvay so customers can see how much electricity is being generated at any given time of the day. The same monitoring capability will be displayed on our website as well.
The project was installed by Warner Energy. Warner’s polycrystalline solar modules are the high efficiency, low-cost solution for commercial scale PV systems. Warner is located in Clay New York and was a perfect fit for us as we work with local vendors whenever possible!