We have provided case studies of our projects to highlight how specific solutions to our clients' needs were initially identified, which solutions were selected to resolve the issue, and a summary of the final results.

• 
  Buckman's, Inc.
• 
  Borough of Lehighton

• Project Overview

  MetroTek Electrical Services (MetroTek), one of Pennsylvania’s leading electrical construction and renewable energy firms implemented an environmentally responsible renewable energy system for Buckman’s Inc. (Buckman’s) at their corporate headquarters in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Buckman’s is one of the largest distributors of swimming pool chemicals, water treatment chemicals and ice melting products.

  MetroTek is a vertically integrated company uniquely positioned to control each part of the construction process. MetroTek was responsible for the analysis, staging, construction, and integration of the completed renewable energy system. Specifically this included:

  • Site Assessment
  • Engineering
  • Financing & Grant Writing

  • Permitting
  • Installation
  • Commissioning
  • Warranty

  The first phase consisted of a solar energy system and targeted energy efficiency project. Subsequent phases to this project will include the construction of a wind turbine and solar heating and hot water system. This system will provide ecological and economic benefits to the company and commonwealth.

• Project Details

  Project Goals

  

  Electricity costs play a large part in Buckman’s pool chemical business. Therefore, the primary goal of the project was to save money by using renewable electricity to offset rising power prices, and reduce or eliminate demand keeping Buckman’s competitive in the global marketplace. Environmentally, the goal was to offset emissions and conserve water. Subsequent goals included the development of frameworks for renewable energy financing by Buckman’s project partners and to educate Pennsylvania citizens on the benefits of solar energy through the use of a web-based learning portal.

  Scope of Services

  The first phase of this project, which spanned seven months, included the construction of a 617 kilowatt solar energy system which produces 700,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a year from almost 3,000 high efficiency photovoltaic solar modules. The roof-mounted solar array will convert sunlight into electricity and supply power to Buckman’s new state-of-the-art sodium hypochlorite manufacturing facility. MetroTek was responsible for all phases of construction, including engineering procurement and installation of the solar energy system. MetroTek installed an aluminum roof support system, and mounted and wired solar modules. MetroTek then wired the solar modules to the corresponding inverters via DC collector panels. Additionally, MetroTek reworked the existing AC distribution system to accommodate the new solar power system.

  

  The renewable energy system is also accompanied with a site specific revenue meter that indicates energy production, energy routing and usage within the plant, net meter integration, and system performance monitoring, SREC production values, and automated accounts, greenhouse gases saved as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides, and sulfur dioxide in an HMI format.

  As part of the project, MetroTek utilized their relationship with MetroMeter to build a web-based solar educational portal to educate Pennsylvanians on the benefits of solar energy. Buckman’s and MetroTek also worked with the Pottstown School District to bring a renewable energy educational curriculum to these students.

  Grant

  MetroTek assisted Buckman’s in obtaining grants and tax credits resulting in $2.1 million (60%) credits against the $4.4 million project in a seven year payback which made the project feasible. The $520,000 grants where from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority, and was funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
  The solar energy system will save Buckman’s more than $5,000,000 over the next 25 years.

  Results

  • Jobs created by project: 14 temporary/full time
  • Jobs retained from project: 85 full time and 18 part time
  • Revenue generated for other PA companies and beneficiaries: $438,739
  • Water conservation: 350,000 gallons annually

  • Offset emissions: 850,000 pounds of carbon dioxide
  • On demand savings: $300,000 annually
  • Total Savings over 25 years: $5,000,000
  • Buckmans’ solar array is the second largest in Pennsylvania

  Conclusion

  

  Buckmans’ Solar Energy System will allow the company to remain competitive for decades to come and retain the business’s eighty-five (85) full time employees and eighteen (18) part-time employees. The completion of the Solar Energy System will also enable Buckman’s to continue the Remaining two (2) phases of the company’s renewable energy project. Furthermore, this project will provide extensive benefits to MetroTek’s partners, invaluable revenue, jobs, and experience that will support the development of dozens of renewable energy projects in the future.

  Further Reading

  • US Department of Energy:"Pennsylvania pool chemical business soaks up rays"
  • Buckman's, Inc. corporate website
  • PA Department of Environmental Protection: Metro-Tek Electrical Services -- $831,250 for a 2.2 MW ground mounted solar system for Moore Township Elementary and Lehigh Township Elementary schools.
  • MetroTek Press Releases

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