FUQUAY-VARINA, N.C. – (Nov.1 2009) The developers of one of this town’s most historic building renovation projects flipped a switch this week energizing electrical power produced through a rooftop solar-energy project built by Baker Renewable Energy.
With local dignitaries and a representative of the state’s Renewable Energy office on hand, the developers of The Historic Mitchell Building sent electrical power produced by the bank of photovoltaic cells onto the electrical utility power grid.
The system from Baker creates renewable energy through some 72 photovoltaic laminate panels that are only one-quarter inch thick but linked together generate 10 kilowatts of power. That power will be sold by developers Eric and Mary Christofferson to Progress Energy through a direct connection to the utility’s grid. The couple converted the 63-year-old former automobile dealership building into retail and restaurant space.
The Mitchell Building’s photovoltaic system is one among many of the energy-saving technology and sustainable building products offered by Baker Renewable both for new and renovation projects where alterative energy systems like solar might prove viable.
“The Mitchell is typical of what the sustainable energy products we offer can achieve when tailored to a client’s specific facility needs,” said Jason Epstein, Baker Renewable Energy’s manager. “The key in this industry is identifying a specific solution with the right, practical technology.”
Baker Renewable Energy is a subsidiary of Raleigh-based Baker Roofing, the third-largest roofing company in the United States with roofing and renewable energy projects across much of the Southeastern U.S.
The Christoffersons say that with incentives offered by the NC Greenpower program, as well as state and federal energy tax credits, they will yield a payback in less than four years for the system.
The system at The Mitchell allows the developers to achieve real-time monitoring of the system through a simple dashboard interface accessible with any computer with internet capabilities.
Baker Renewable Energy has expertise in the installation of solar photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems, wind turbines, innovative garden roofing and other renewable products and systems that demonstrate a commitment to environmentally sustainable building and construction.
The company is well-versed in The LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System which is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green building. Baker Renewable’s key managers are LEED Accredited Professionals (AP) designated by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Founded in Raleigh in 1915, Baker Roofing today is the largest roofing company in North Carolina and ranked third in the United States by a leading industry trade publication. Baker Roofing employs more than 800 workers with operations in Raleigh, Greensboro, Charlotte and Wilmington as well as Richmond, Norfolk, Harrisonburg and Roanoke, Va. Visit Baker Renewable Energy, visit www.bakerrenewableenergy.com. For more information on Baker Roofing, visit www.bakerroofing.com.