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Enabling a Manufacturer to Run with the Sun
‧308 kW solar electric system for 90,000-square-foot manufacturing facility
‧Largest proprietary solar system on a manufacturing facility in Connecticut
‧Expected to supply 17% of the building’s electric power
‧1,760 photovoltaic (PV) panels providing clean, renewable energy for 100 employees
‧Avoids generation of 282 tons of CO2 per year
‧Builds on the Lee Company tradition of innovation and independence
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Overview
For over 50 years, the Lee Company has been a technology pioneer. Today, the company is enhancing its visionary legacy with the largest solar energy system on a manufacturing facility in Connecticut. Half the size of a football field, the system is generating 17% of the building’s electricity – and 100% of its “wow” factor.
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Why the Plant Turned to the Sun
The Lee Company found the path to solar energy because of a loss. In the middle of a busy workday, this Connecticut-based manufacturer of fluid control technology had a power failure that forced production to stop. From that point on, the company was determined to self-generate a portion of its electricity.
Knowing there were incentives for green energy, the Lee Company began pursuing a solar solution for its 90,000 square-foot Westbrook plant, which had an enormous, unobstructed roof.
“Three firms bid on the project,” explained Leighton Lee IV, the company’s Facilities Manager. “We selected Gloria Solar because of their longevity in the business, their reputation, and their system design, which offered greater efficiency. They also came highly recommended from Centerbrook Architects and the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund.”
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Keeping Costs Down Up on the Roof
At the start of the project, Gloria Solar engineers visited the Westbrook site and discovered that the building’s roof was ideal for saving energy and costs. The roof’s standing seams could easily accommodate the use of simple mounting clips, rather than large frames, resulting in the cost-efficient installation of 1,760 PV panels. Furthermore, the 29,000-square-foot galvanized expanse was pitched at an advantageous angle and free of shade.
“When you see the system up on the roof, it’s like it’s tailor made,” Lee said. “It’s a beautiful installation and really fits the building. And its energy profile is great, so it’s in keeping with the Lee Company spirit of innovation and independence.”
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Shedding Light on All Areas of Solar
Gloria Solar worked closely with the Lee Company on all aspects of the 308 kW project. Said Lee:
“Gloria Solar did a great job. They asked the right questions and knew exactly what they were doing. They looked at our electrical schematics and load profiles. They even helped with the government grant and the financial aspects—explaining the methods and options for optimal payback.”
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Efficiency, Value, and Other Reasons to Beam
The Westbrook facility’s production cycle perfectly mirrors the daily journey of the sun, beginning in the early morning, peaking at around noon, and slowing down by 4 PM. This enables the company to optimize the sun’s power, providing enough clean energy for 17% of the building’s power consumption.
“There’s definitely a payback with solar,” Lee said, “and it’s right in front of you, not on the horizon. There are negligible maintenance costs beyond the equipment purchase. Plus we funded about fifty percent of the project through a grant, which was a huge factor.”
Company employees couldn’t agree more, with many voicing their admiration.
“It sends a very positive message to employees,” Lee continued. “It’s a little bit of shock-and-awe, plus pride. Shock and awe from the size of the system and pride from knowing that their company is on a path of self-reliance, putting money back into the business and becoming more energy independent.”
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Maximizing the Sun in the Days Ahead
The Lee Company is also exploring future solar installations, including a new 84,000- square-foot plant with a southern orientation and a roof that maximizes sunlight. In doing so, they are building on the pioneering tradition of Lee’s grandfather, who founded the company in 1948. “This is something my grandfather would have respected a lot,” explained Lee, “He was always interested in getting away from conventional methods and PV was the absolute cutting edge of technology when he was a young man. Plus we’re putting capital back in the company for generations to come. He would be very excited about this project.”
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