The Partner

Sapphire Technical Solutions, the Pineville native company, has made the decision to go solar! They are a global leader in the light testing industry and have been advancing their business for many years.

The Challenge

Just like most solar customers, Sapphire Technical was continuously faced with increasing electrical costs. This frustrating and costly issue seemingly had no end in sight, which eventually pushed the company to look into more cost effective solutions. The owner developed a vision for investing in their own power, and got in touch with Renu energy solutions to learn more about going solar. 

The RENU Solution

After consulting with their experienced staff and learning that their roof would be suitable for a solar system, Renu then drew up a plan and began the process of bringing the project to fruition, in close dialog with the customer. They committed to the project after learning that they would be able to install a 26 KiloWatt system that would help significantly reduce their monthly utility costs. 

Sapphire Technologies has improved their financial stability for the long-term by going solar. Using federal incentives increased the savings from the project.

For a large energy user, solar can be an especially wise investment, as was the case here: Now the company uses significantly less power from the grid, saving the customer money and actually helping relieve grid congestion.

 The system is expected to produce around 31,000kWh each year, which will offset 48,321 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. That is also equivalent to over 54,000 miles driven by the average passenger vehicle.

The Partner

Located in Mooresville, NC, Restroom Direct was founded in 2008 by Chris Berl and has taken the initiative to go solar with Renu Energy Solutions. Restroom Direct is a master distributor of hand dryers, water coolers, drinking fountains, and other restroom and commercial fixtures. They sell their products to contractors, electrical, sanitation, division 10 and other distributors as well as a variety of businesses, including doctors’ offices, laboratories, hospitals, churches, restaurants, theaters, service stations, health clubs, schools, municipalities, government agencies, etc.

The Challenge

In spite of constantly increasing utility costs and energy dependence, Restroom Direct wanted to look for an investment opportunity that would end up saving them money in the long-run. This led them to begin investigating a solar solution in hopes of accomplishing their goals.

The RENU Solution 

They began discussing this opportunity with Renu Energy Solutions, and came up with a plan. Restroom Direct had a 57.96 kW DC system installed on their facility. It was determined that this would be the best size to produce the most amount of energy and save the company the most money.  

It is also helpful to remember that when you go solar in North Carolina and South Carolina, you qualify for the Duke Rebate. Starting in 2018, the Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress Utility solar rebate has been available to North Carolina businesses for a solar rebate of $0.50 per Watt(ac). This program ends in 2022 and allows those who invest in solar to receive a 26% Federal tax credit for their solar investment. Thanks to the rebate, Restroom Direct is estimated to save ~$6,100 and ~$16,200.

Looking long-term with this investment, Restroom Direct is estimated to produce around 1,990,000 kWh in total and reduce their carbon footprint by 1,550 Tons of C02.

The Partner

Spring 2020- HIGH POINT, NC – The signature wood and stone furnishings and sculptures from Phillips Collection stand out in any room. Owner Mark Phillips has recently received attention for a different distinction: He’s completed major energy efficiency retrofits to his 166,000-square-foot headquarters to demonstrate environmental responsibility, including adding a solar array to the building. At an electric cooperative conference in Asheville where he was invited to speak, he explained the many energy-saving changes they’ve made, including:

• Removing all halogen bulbs from track lighting and replacing with articulated LED fixtures newly invented for this purpose that make use of existing track (in collaboration with ERD of Kernersville) eliminating the need for expensive rewiring, and reducing cooling needs and lighting cost. They even acquired a specialized bulb disposal machine for the job.
• Right-sized the incoming power transformers with help from ElectriCITIES, modifying the facility’s demand
• Put in 3 electric vehicle charging spaces outside offering free power for customers who can plug in
• Implementing a solar installation for the business

Furniture design has long been a part of High Point’s culture and Mark’s company specializes in designing organic pieces that embrace natural materials. From mango and acacia tree roots to reclaimed teak, Phillips Collection sources sustainable materials and transforms them into prized conversation pieces. Mark acknowledges that his business depends largely on natural ecology and travels to Thailand to ensure that the next generation of arborists and carpenters are ready to continue a steady relationship with him and his team. On a recent visit he rallied a group of 400 — comprised of local students, teachers, factory workers, villagers and local officials — and together they planted 6,000 trees in a single day.

The Challenge

The initial interest in the possibility of solar came about because Mark and his company are so dedicated to sustainability and helping the environment. They wanted to look for even more ways to reduce their carbon footprint and make changes. They got into contact with members of the Renu Energy Solutions team and began discussing the opportunity. 

The RENU Solution

After hearing of the potential, Phillips went solar at his home this month, and the business installation is scheduled for October. Renu Energy Solutions is providing both the residential and commercial installations. Combined they add up to 45 kiloWatts in total size, estimated to produce over 63,000 kiloWatt hours of solar power in its first year.

Because of the size and total production of the system, they will save 98,202 pounds of carbon dioxide. This equals over 5,000 gallons of gasoline and almost 50,000 pounds of coal burned.

About his choice to go solar, he says: “My father always said the big decisions in life are obvious. This was one of those.” For Mark, addressing energy sustainability expresses his values, and at the same time he notes that he’s likely to come out ahead by betting that the cost of electricity isn’t going down. He says he committed to energy efficiency and solar at his business and home to save money and because, “it’s the right thing to do.”