Pro-Tech helps warehouses go solar

"Refrigerated warehouses, like Fond du Lac, are joining legions of other cost-conscious business owners and operators who are taking a cue from the state and realizing that minimizing carbon footprints goes hand-in-hand with increasing economic vitality," said John Drexinger, chief operating officer, Pro-Tech Energy Solutions. "New Jersey's solar electric installations grew by 153 last year, and we have been ranked second in the nation for the past four years."

The systems, installed at Fond du Lac facilities at 78-90 Saw Mill Pond Road 591,000 watts and 275 Mill Road 417,000 watts, will reduce demand on the grid during peak energy times. The two solar roof systems are expected to account for about 45 of Fond du Lac's annual electric usage.

Each year, the energy savings from the renewable energy production will prevent 1,459,808 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere, an environmental impact equivalent to preserving 5.6 acres of forest and conserving 1,865 barrels of oil.

Pro-Tech worked with the refrigeration facility to secure financing and successfully complete and file applications for the US Treasury grant.

"Reducing energy costs is an ongoing challenge for any warehouse operation, particularly for the owners and operators of refrigerated warehouses because cold storage facilities require substantial amounts of electricity to maintain the proper temperatures necessary for preserving food and beverages," said Ted Chan, president, Fond du Lac Cold Storage. "We not only value green building from an environmental standpoint, but we now value it from an economical one as well."