A unique solar system at Drake Plastics in Cypress, Texas, has been in operation for eight months and is helping the polymer manufacture achieve 30% overall energy use offset. Trinasolar supplied its Vertex N solar panels for a 1.3-MW rooftop and carport system, with the carport system designed to spell out “Drake.”
Spear Commercial & Industrial lead the installation effort. The unique carport design transformed the installation into both a renewable energy asset and a branded statement visible to the high volume of air traffic that flies over the Drake complex on its approach to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
“Trina’s Vertex N modules let the system maximize solar energy generation despite the constrained footprint of the rooftop and carport design,” said Mark Rangel, executive vice president of Spear. “We’re pleased that it provides Drake a very attractive rate of return in a short payback period and satisfies their energy objectives cost-effectively. And we enjoyed working with Drake to inject some creativity into the project by using the modules to display a highly visible brand statement.”
The new PV system daytime output is typically 120% of Drake’s afternoon power consumption, which corresponds with their highest loads as well as peak grid demand. Drake’s goal to achieve 30% overall energy use offset has been achieved. The system is projected to deliver an internal rate of return (IRR) of nearly 20% with a payback period of under four years.
“The new solar installation fulfills several important goals,” said Steve Quance, president of Drake Plastics. “It aligns precisely with our mission statement commitment to be good stewards of our environment and an asset to our community. Our solar plant puts power into the grid when it is needed the most- doing the right thing never goes out of style. It also tracks with our “Lean” ethos to eliminate waste and inefficiency; the direct power offset provides cost benefits that help Drake compete and grow.”
News item from Trina