Project Category: Commercial & Industrial

JLS Mailing

JLS Mailing

JLS Mailing Services is one of New England’s largest presort mailing and printing companies, founded in 1918. They are an industry leader in providing mailing, document management, and direct marketing solutions to businesses and marketers.

Challenge

As a company that consumes a great amount of electricity to operate its digital copiers, inserters, folders, and presort equipment, JLS was looking for an intelligent way to reduce its energy consumption and (the resulting) operational costs.

Solution

JLS decided to adopt a solar solution to reduce operating costs and differentiate its business with green and sustainable initiatives. They chose Solect Energy through a competitive selection process.

Results

An 80% reduction in electricity costs

With a 537 kW array installed on the roof of their Brockton, MA facility, JLS Mailing is projected to cover up to 80% of its electricity costs, saving $93,000 per year.

Fourstar Connections

Fourstar Connections

Fourstar Connections is a contract manufacturing firm based in Hudson, MA. Fourstar Connections was founded in 1986 as a cable assembly shop which gradually increased in size and added more capabilities to its product mix.

Challenge

Sincere about its green initiatives, Fourstar established a committee to investigate ways to reduce its emissions through recycling and a robust solar PV solution. They aimed to turn their solar system on by 2014 to reap the maximum possible tax benefits.

Solution

Fourstar partnered with Solect and appreciated our team’s promptness through the various design and installation stages. Thanks to our proactive team of experts, completing the project’s construction and turning the system on within the targeted timeframe was possible.

Results

Fourstar Connections saves a significant amount on its annual energy expenses besides receiving additional financial benefits.

Wilevco

Wilevco

Wilevco has been building and perfecting innovative and quality machinery for the food processing industry for over 50 years. Their pieces of equipment are used in the areas of spray-coating and liquid mixing and chilling.

Challenge

As a business operating massive warehouses and production facilities, Wilevco encountered soaring energy expenses, leading them to consider solar.
Besides, they were motivated to invest in clean energy to facilitate the development of a healthier planet.

Solution

Solect designed and installed a solar system according to Wilevco’s energy needs and sustainability goals. We at Solect know that every client is different and we customize our solutions according to their unique challenges. Every project is an opportunity for us to take a step closer to a sustainable and carbon-neutral tomorrow and we walk the extra mile to exceed expectations and reset increasingly higher quality standards.

Results

A 33% reduction in electricity costs

The system has offset approximately one-third of the building’s energy costs while allowing WILEVCO to benefit from the eligible state and federal tax incentives and earn an income from the sale of Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs).

New England Resins & Pigments Corporation

New England Resins & Pigments Corporation

New England Resins & Pigments Corporation is a regional chemical and packaging product distributor. The company is headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, 10 miles north of the metropolitan Boston area.

Challenge

New England Resins’ massive facility incurs significant maintenance and operational expenses yearly.
As a result, they wanted to switch to solar, leveraging their readily-available 100,000-square-foot warehouse roof space.

Solution

Solect Energy partnered with New England Resins to install a 522 kW rooftop solar system. The system produces nearly twice the amount of electricity the client needs to power the business.

Results

A significant reduction in electricity expenses

New England Resins donates its excess electricity to a nearby nonprofit organization, the Woburn Council for Social Concern, which helps the nonprofit save substantially on its energy expenses. Additionally, New England Resins leveraged significant state and federal incentives besides receiving an income from the sale of SRECs.

O&G Industries

O&G Industries, Inc. is a leading construction service provider in the Northeast, serving diverse market segments and delivering projects of varied sizes and scope. Their clientele includes brands with regional and global prominence.

Challenge

In 2018, O&G Industries, Connecticut’s largest private construction company, adopted an Environmental Policy to commit to eco-friendly and sustainable operations despite the challenges posed by its size, complexity, energy needs, and business goals.

Solution

O&G systematically addressed the challenge by leveraging data-driven solutions, which inspired the decision to implement solar at their sites to advance their cost-effective and eco-friendly operation goals. Despite their proficiency in handling complex national projects, O&G decided to collaborate with experienced solar developer Solect Energy rather than using internal resources to design and develop the installations.

Results

The solar and storage system powers 100% of the annual consumption needs of the O&G quarry, while the ESS allows O&G to take advantage of additional revenue sources.

The system is estimated to produce 1.520 gigawatt-hours (GWh) per year – enough power to offset roughly 100% of the site’s annual energy needs. The amount of electricity produced annually by the array is enough to power nearly 200 homes.

The new solar and storage system is the latest addition to many energy-saving and sustainability initiatives that O&G has undertaken, which include two other solar arrays installed by Solect Energy along with other energy efficiency upgrades.

Explore the detailed case study to learn more about this iconic project.

Swissturn/USA

Swissturn/USA

Swissturn/USA is a family-owned manufacturer of fine-precision metal and plastic components in Oxford, MA, comprising 50+ employees.

Challenge

The company operates “lights out,” meaning the computer-controlled machines keep working even after the employees leave for the day, which leads to boosted electricity costs. Controlling costs without affecting productivity was of high importance to them.

Solution

Swissturn partnered with Solect to implement their plan to transition to solar following a recent relocation. The result was a 135.3 kW solar energy system that effectively addressed Swissturn’s energy needs.

Results

A 30% reduction in electricity costs

The system reduced Swissturn’s electricity costs by up to 30% annually, saving the company up to $20,000 yearly, besides generating additional financial benefits through federal and state tax incentives and the sale of SRECs.

Alder Foods

Adler Foods

Alder Foods is one of the country’s largest suppliers to the military markets. It sells nationally-branded food and perishable goods to the US Military Commissaries worldwide. The company is among the top 30 companies serving the Defense Commissary Agency worldwide.

Challenge

Alder Foods invested in solar to further their company’s commitment to a greener and cleaner economy and optimize their energy savings.

Solution

Alder Foods partnered with Solect to design and install a 108 kW rooftop solar system for their Walpole facility. They aimed to reduce their energy expenses while earning eligible state and federal incentives and an income from selling SRECs.

Results

$25,000 yearly savings on electricity costs

The 108 kW system offsets electricity costs with the energy created and generates a substantial ROI from the sale of SRECs. The system saves the company nearly $25,000 on electricity costs annually.

Chemetal

Chemetal

Chemetal is a reputed organization specializing in metal designing and laminating for commercial and residential projects. The 50-year-old, family-owned business has a strong commitment to green practices. Many of its metal products are made entirely of aluminum, the most recycled material on the planet. Some of its aluminum finishes contain up to 85% recycled content, offering builders and architects LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) credits. LEED is one of the most widely used and accepted green building certificates.

Challenge

Chemetal decided to install a solar energy system following a recent expansion that almost doubled its size. They leveraged their then-new roof to install a 201 kW solar project that has been generating enough savings to address the increased operating costs efficiently.

Solution

Solect carefully examined Chemetal’s energy usage patterns and other factors to design the optimum solar energy system and ensured the maximum possible ROI for them through a range of applicable solar incentives.

Results

A 33% reduction in electricity costs

Chemetal is projected to save approximately $25,000 annually on its electricity bill, besides taking advantage of state and federal tax benefits and incentives, including SRECs.

Nordost

Nordost

Nordost is a premier manufacturer of hi-tech audio cables and accessories for the consumer electronics industry. In 1991, the company made a name for itself with its revolutionary flat audio cables, which used conductor solutions developed from unique technologies originally engineered for the aerospace industry.

Challenge

As a manufacturing company using cutting-edge equipment, Nordost’s energy consumption and the consequent expenses were high. Switching to solar provided a much-needed solution for them, brought to fruition with the help of team Solect.

Solution

Following a discussion with Solect , Nordost realized that a solar energy system could cover a significant amount of their energy demand. They chose the roof of their Holliston headquarters for their 50 kW solar energy project.

Results

A 75% reduction in electricity costs

Besides leveraging the environmental benefits of solar, Nordost received a combination of state and federal incentives and continues receiving SRECs.

Hyde Tools

Hyde Tools

Established in Southbridge, MA, over 100 years ago, Hyde Tools has grown from a cutlery manufacturer to a producer of hand tools for remodeling and home repair.

Challenge

Hyde Tools has significant costs associated with its electricity consumption as a manufacturer. Besides cost control, they were motivated to highlight their sustainable commitments.

Solution

Hyde Tools partnered with Solect to install a solar PV system on their roof, using the innovative TenK solar panels specially designed to mitigate the loss of production due to shading.

Results

A 13% reduction in electricity costs

Hyde Tools is now offsetting 13% of its annual electricity costs, besides having earned a significant package of state and federal incentives while continuing to earn SRECs. They have also created additional employment opportunities with the help of their savings, alongside contributing to a cleaner economy.

Mass Tank

Mass Tank

Mass Tank is New England’s largest steel tank manufacturer, combining 90 years of fabrication experience and excellence. They partnered with Solect and IGS Solar to install a 457 kW system on Mass Tank’s 60,000-sq-ft manufacturing facility in Middleborough, Mass. The energy is sold to Middleborough Gas & Electric to support the town’s growing energy demands.

Challenge

Mass Tank first thought about renewable energy solutions when they became one of the contracted manufacturers for the Cape Wind project, a large offshore wind farm located in federal waters off the coast of Cape Cod. Interested in developing a clean energy economy and reducing their energy costs, Mass Tank decided to install and own a solar energy system on their campus. However, due to regulations sanctioned by the local municipal utility Middleborough Gas & Electric, they soon discovered that a “behind-the-meter” solar installation, where energy is generated and consumed directly on-site, was prohibited.

Solution

Mass Tank approached Middleborough Gas & Electric to propose a solar solution for both entities to support and benefit from. The municipal utility was interested, as such an arrangement would help mitigate peak demand, reducing customer costs while increasing power reliability. With Middleborough Gas & Electric on board, Mass Tank signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Solect and IGS Solar, under which IGS leases the roof space from Mass Tank to host the array, own the system, and sell the solar electricity generated to Middleborough Gas & Electric.

Results

According to the 20-year agreement, Mass Tank earns rental income from their roof from investor and array owner, IGS. On the other hand, Middleborough businesses and residents benefit from the local solar energy added to the supply mix without the costs and liabilities associated with owning a system.

AmeriPride Services, Inc.

AmeriPride Services

AmeriPride Services is recognized as one of North America’s largest uniform rental and linen supply companies. The company has more than 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada.

Challenge

AmeriPride has a rich and long history of its commitment to sustainability. As part of that, it installed interior and exterior LED lights across all its locations, replaced boilers with more energy-efficient models, and updated its delivery fleet with electric vehicles. After choosing MA from its other locations for a pilot solar program, it sought out Solect to discuss its solar implementation plan.

Solution

The AmeriPride and Solect Energy partnership resulted in a 210 kW rooftop solar system for their facility in Worcester. The project was developed under a PPA, with Solect driving design and installation and taking care of the maintenance.

Results

A 25% reduction in electricity costs

The solar energy project produces enough electricity to cover 25% of the facility’s annual electricity consumption.

North Atlantic Corporation

North Atlantic Corporation

North Atlantic Corp (NAC) is one of New England’s largest millwork manufacturers and distributors, serving residential and commercial markets.

Challenge

As a millwork manufacturing facility, NAC’s energy costs soared significantly, leading the authority to explore better alternatives. Following its research, NAC decided to go solar to gain better control over its volatile energy expenses and further drive the widespread clean energy movement.

Solution

After expanding its rooftop space, NAC sought Solect’s support to adopt an expansive solar system. Its partnership with Solect resulted in a massive 1.5 MW rooftop solar project.

Results

NAC reported that the solar power generation covered 90% of their electrical demand within one year of installing the 1.5 MW solar array on one of their warehouse rooftops in Somerset, MA.

Yeuell Nameplate

Yeuell Nameplate

In business since 1913, Yeuell Nameplate & Label manufactures custom nameplates, labels, and decals, serving companies worldwide.

Challenge

As a manufacturing company, powering the facility is among Yeuell Nameplate’s most costly recurring expenses. They installed a solar system to manage their energy expenses better and optimize savings.

Solution

Like many other manufacturing facilities, their building features a large flat roof with plenty of room to accommodate a solar array big enough to impact their energy costs significantly.

Results

A 50% reduction in electricity costs

The 261 kW array is big enough to cover half of Yeuell’s energy costs annually. Additionally, the company leveraged state and federal tax incentives and continues earning SRECs, significantly boosting its revenue.

AccuRounds

AccuRounds commercial rooftop solar

Established in 1976, AccuRounds specializes in precision-machining custom cylindrical components. Many of their components are used in the solar energy industry. They are known for manufacturing products according to exact specifications and their timely delivery.

Challenge

AccuRounds’ nature of operation requires a significant amount of energy. Besides, their latest expansion increased operating costs to a great extent. They installed a solar energy project to curb the increasing energy expenses and address boosted operational costs.

Solution

AccuRounds partnered with Solect to install a 162 kW array to address their rising energy costs. Switching to solar also fostered the company’s sustainability efforts and reinforced its dedication to a greener and cleaner economy.

Results

An $18,400 reduction in electricity costs

The array is estimated to cover approximately 18% of the client’s energy needs and generate $460,000 in savings over the 25-year power purchase agreement period.