Pratt Industries does more than just convert discarded paper into the world’s best 100 percent recycled packaging – we also believe in using clean energy in our manufacturing processes wherever possible. So we’re very proud to announce that our New York City box plant is now pulling almost half of its electrical needs from solar power.
The conversion of the Staten Island facility’s roof – a first for Pratt Industries – took several months as more than 5400 panels had to be installed.
Plant GM Bob Reid said the project was in keeping “with the company’s core values to protect the environment and embrace clean energy and continue our mission to provide sustainable packaging solutions for our customers.”
“This is a great day for our company and for Staten Island,” said Bob. “This rooftop solar photovoltaic system has the capacity to generate 1500 kilowatts of energy. We estimate it will produce 44.5% of the plant’s electrical usage every month on average – and that is not only good for our bottom line but also for the environment.”
The system also includes a Locus Data Acquisition System which measures the solar production and energy being produced every 5 minutes. It also contains a commercial weather station.
Pratt contracted the New York-based company EnterSolar for the project. EnterSolar has been installing solar energy projects for 10 years and is a leading provider of solar photovoltaic systems to the commercial marketplace.
Bob and his team also worked closely with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority which provides information and analysis, programs, technical expertise and funding to get more New York businesses to increase energy efficiency by using renewable energy.
“This was a true partnership between government and private enterprise to help both business and the environment,” said Bob. “We’re proud to be a member of such a team.”