IDEAL Fastener, the second largest global manufacturer of zippers in the world, has installed a 198.24 kW solar array at its factory located in Oxford, North Carolina.
The solar project is the first installation for the zipper company. Southern Energy Management (SEM), a sustainable energy company that provides green building, solar and energy efficiency services, has helped IDEAL Fastener with its sustainability efforts.
The nearly 200 kW solar array has been installed on the factory’s roof-top. It consists of 826 LG solar modules, each having 240 W capacity. IDEAL Fastener had hired SEM for designing and building the solar photovoltaic system.
The power generated will be sufficient to supply power for over 20 average homes. The solar photovoltaic system is expected to generate 261,280 kWh of electricity annually.
IDEAL will be selling the generated solar power back to the utility, which will help offset its utility bills. The solar project demonstrates IDEAL Fastener’s commitment to reduce its carbon footprint and encourage sustainability.
SEM commenced the construction of the roof-top solar photovoltaic system in October. SEM’s crews from Morrisville in North Carolina performed the installation which they completed by mid-December.
The solar project has received incentives from the federal and state governments. When considering the present energy rates, the solar array project has a payback period of four years. IDEAL Fastener has plans to add solar arrays to its plants in other countries and also at their North Carolina factory.
To promote its sustainability efforts, the company in 2007 had started offering zippers, named IDEAL Earth, made from 100% recycled polyester yarn.