ALTA Refrigeration completes 100 kW solar PV installation

PEACHTREE CITY, USA: ALTA Refrigeration has completed a 98.7 kW solar photovoltaic system on the roof of its Peachtree City, Ga. facility. The system features high power modules made by Georgia-based Suniva, resulting in a reduction of meter power usage by more than 50 percent.

The system is one of the largest in the state of Georgia, and the second largest commercial system installed in Peachtree City this year.

Atlanta-based Inman Solar was tapped to help develop and integrate a solar solution for ALTA Refrigeration that made economic sense and was environmentally sustainable.

“Projects like this represent a win-win for the customer and the community alike,” said Steve Chiariello, principal, Inman Solar. “ALTA gets a great investment that matches its commitment to making the community and environment a better place. Plus, the community benefits from the reduced emissions that result from solar projects.” Solar remains the cleanest of all renewable energy alternatives.

ALTA Vice President Terry Childers added: "For us, we are benefitting greatly from shaving our peak demand usage,” which utilities charge commercial customers in order to maintain adequate system capacity during peak usage hours. We’ve reduced our power usage by more than 50 percent and reduced our demand rate by more than 30 percent,” so ALTA is not only using less power, it is paying less for what they use."

Bryan Ashley, Chief Marketing Officer of Suniva Inc., said: “Congratulations to ALTA and Inman for moving so quickly to install the solar array and start benefitting from reduced power bills and promoting sustainability. Companies like ALTA are leading the way for clean energy in Georgia.”

The ALTA project benefitted from state and federal grants that were part of the Clean Energy Property Rebate program, as administered by the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA). GEFA promotes the stewardship of Georgia’s energy, land and water resources and encourages economic development through low-interest loan and grant programs.

“The use of solar energy is growing in Georgia and these incentives help to promote solar as a viable source of renewable energy in our state,” said GEFA Executive Director Phil Foil.

Solar energy projects in Georgia received $4.5 million in grant funds through the Clean Energy Property Rebate Program. The program funded 14 projects as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), including the ALTA Refrigeration solar installation.