First Commercial Solar System in N Wilkesboro installed by Green State Power

The first commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) system in N Wilkesboro was installed on the roof of The Mirror Factory Industrial Center on Elkin Highway, which houses Carolina Heritage Cabinetry and several other businesses.  This system was partially funded through a grant from the USDA as a part of their Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), and was installed by Green State Power, a NC based solar contractor.

The 78kW solar system consists of 279 panels and 7 inverters and is expected to generate 108 MWh per year.  The system will be connected to Duke Energy, who will purchase all of the power generated.  The energy generated from this system will reduce CO2 emissions by 73 tons each year, and could power 12 homes.

“We are thrilled this project is the first commercial PV installation in the area and that we are able to be a part of it,” said Green State Power President, Will Stewart.

To further reduce their energy consumption, the solar system was installed over a brand new, heat reflective, energy efficient roof.  Additionally, in 2010, all of the lights in the Mirror Factory complex were replaced with high efficiency lights as another way to lower their power usage.

The Mirror Factory Industrial Center was formerly occupied by the Carolina Mirror Company, once the largest mirror manufacturer in the United States.  Purchased and renovated by local businessman Scott Nafe in 2007, the 250,000 square foot complex now houses a half dozen businesses including Carolina Heritage Cabinetry, a manufacturer and importer of residential and commercial cabinetry, and Gallery 268, designers and retailers of fine plumbing fixtures, accessories, and faucetry.

Green State Power is a full service solar integrator based out of Greensboro, NC servicing the east coast.  GSP offers turnkey solar services including site analysis, system design, installation, rebate assistance, system monitoring, and long term operations and maintenance.  Green State Power provides high quality systems with long term performance and client satisfaction as its primary goals.  For more information please visit www.greenstatepower.com.

The Rural Energy for America Program offers financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy-efficiency improvements. These federal funds leverage other private funding sources for businesses.