Leading U.S. Parachute Manufacturer to Offset $10,000 a Year in Energy Costs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAKE MARY, FL., March 26, 2012, – BlueChip Energy, LLC (BCE), a fully-integrated solar energy provider for utility, commercial and residential applications, today announced it has installed a 50kW commercial solar power system for Performance Designs, Inc., a world-class parachute designer and manufacturer in Deland, Florida.
The Performance Design rooftop solar array is expected to offset an estimated $10,000 a year in energy costs and reduce ongoing operating expenses at their 40,000 sq. ft. manufacturing and office facility. BlueChip Energy was integral in assisting Performance Designs with their application to the Department of Treasury to secure funds under Section 1603 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This government act provided for a 30% grant payment in lieu of tax credit for renewable energy projects placed in service during 2011.
The solar energy project features ASP PV modules, racking system, and components. ASP system components are American-made and manufactured in Lake Mary, Florida. The system will produce 80,000 kilowatt hours annually and help to reduce annual carbon emissions by 36 metric tons.
About BlueChip Energy
BlueChip Energy, LLC (BCE) is a fully-integrated solar PV power generator, occupying all segments of the solar power value chain, from manufacturing of solar panels and balance of systems components, to the sale of turnkey solar power plants – and electricity – to utility, commercial and residential customers. BCE develops finances, constructs, operates, and monitors solar plants for companies and individuals, as well as for its own portfolio.
BlueChip Energy’s two flagship utility scale solar projects, the Rinehart Solar Farm(10 MW) and the Sorrento Solar Farm (40 MW), received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as self-certified small power production facilities, or Qualified Facilities (QFs) in 2011, requiring the local utility to provide interconnection to them and purchase the electricity they produce. Additionally, these two solar farms have received approval to operate as Exempt Wholesale Generators (EWGs), providing the facilities with undisputed access to the power distribution network. FERC has also granted the company Market-Based Rate Authorization, allowing BCE to purchase and sell wholesale electricity and offer renewable energy products to customers.