Apr 8 2008
Thule, Inc., the world leader in the manufacturing of transportation accessories including vehicle roof rack systems, innovative RV solutions and truck racks and boxes for professional contractors, today announced that a 318-kilowatt (kW) DC solar photovoltaic (PV) system will be installed by North Chelmsford, Massachusetts-based American Capital Energy on the roof of Thule's Seymour, Connecticut US headquarters.
"We are experts in maximizing a vehicle's roof space and we are pleased to be able to use our building's roof space to reduce and stabilize our energy cost," said Fred Clark, President of Thule, Inc. "This installation represents yet another step Thule is taking to minimize our energy footprint. We have made substantial improvements in lighting, maintenance and operations over the past few years to achieve significant energy savings. We encourage our employees to ride bikes to work and provide facilities for those who do so -- leading to Thule being recognized as an industry leader in going green by Bicycle Retailer and Industry News. In deciding to move forward with going solar at our facility we chose American Capital Energy as our integrator because of their extensive and proven experience in large commercial solar projects," concluded Mr. Clark.
The Thule solar PV system will consist of two separate arrays with a total of 1,876 solar panels. The PV system will supply an estimated 324,800 kWh annually, or about 26% of the facility's total electrical needs. Thule will be hosting the system under a power purchase agreement (PPA), where Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC, a developer of distributed generation and utility scale solar power projects, will own the solar system and Thule will purchase energy produced at a fixed price below current utility rate. This allows Thule to stabilize its energy costs and Nautilus to receive federal tax incentives, rebates and renewable energy credits associated with the project. The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund's (CCEF) On-site Renewable Distributed Energy (DG) Program is providing a $1.3 million grant to subsidize the system.
"Thule will enjoy two distinct advantages by using the power purchase agreement model to go solar -- controlled energy cost and minimal capital investment," stated Tom Hunton, President of American Capital Energy, the company designing and installing the Thule system. "We look forward to working with Thule, Nautilus Solar Energy and the CCEF to provide Thule with a system that will generate low cost electricity for a minimum of 25 years."
Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell commented, "Once the Thule solar PV system is installed, Connecticut as a whole will benefit from reduced demand on the grid and greenhouse gas reduction. I am delighted that many of our resident businesses have been eager to embrace clean, renewable forms of energy generation. They are to be congratulated for their environmental stewardship and resolve to make a difference."
James Rice, CEO of Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC, applauds both Thule and the CCEF for their commitment. "Nautilus Solar is very excited to provide renewable energy to Thule for many years to come. Their leadership will reduce dependence on fossil fuel, demand on the distribution system and greenhouse gas emissions."