Empower Energies Builds Solar Charging Station for McCluskey Chevrolet in Cincinnati, Ohio

TROY, Mich., June 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Empower Energies announced the completion and commissioning of a new Solar Electric-Vehicle (EV) Charging Station at McCluskey Chevrolet at the King's Automall in Cincinnati, Ohio. The eight-space installation has the capacity to charge about 3000 electric vehicles per year – from completely empty to full – directly from the sun.

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"We love the visibility," said Keith McCluskey, Chief Executive Officer at McCluskey Chevrolet. "The Empower Energies solar charging station presents clear evidence that Chevrolet and our dealership are committed to renewable energy and the electrification of automotive transportation. This is a constant reminder to our customers and our sales personnel, and also to the 140,000 cars that drive by on Interstate 71 every day."

McCluskey Chevrolet chose to incorporate the new solar EV charging station as part of Chevrolet's Facility Image Program, a dealership-wide upgrade which is scheduled for completion in late-Summer 2013.

"The installation went very smoothly," McCluskey continued. "We worked closely with Empower Energies on the EV charging station, and with LSI Industries on the LED lighting, for a dealership-wide approach to renewable energy and energy efficiency, and we had great support throughout from our Chevrolet Regional Manager Maurice Williams."

"The McCluskey Chevrolet installation required a very high level of integration," said Len Jornlin, CEO of Empower Energies. "The results are especially gratifying given the numerous moving parts involved in a full dealership upgrade during an Ohio winter. We were even able to alter our schedule when they needed to address issues specific to other parts of their project."

Cincinnati-based LSI Industries, Inc., provided innovative graphics and energy-efficient LED lighting for the solar EV charging station. The graphics ensure that visitors to the dealership will understand that they are allowed to plug into the charging canopy to "fill up" their Chevy Volt or other electric vehicle for free. The LED lighting ties into LSI's overall site lighting and wireless control system, allowing scheduling and customizable programming.

"As one of the leading suppliers of EV charging stations in the United States, we know what it takes for dealerships such as McCluskey Chevrolet to build the infrastructure for meeting the accelerating public demand for renewable energy alternatives and energy efficiency," said Jornlin. "This commitment from McCluskey Chevrolet and the entire Chevrolet organization is the foundation that will enable us to scale Clean Transport Infrastructure both domestically and abroad."

Empower Energies has installed similar solar charging stations for numerous Chevrolet dealerships from Grand Blanc, MI, to Bartlett, TN, to Burlingame, CA.  Empower Energies solar EV charging stations have also been commissioned at General Motors corporate locations and other commercial facilities across the country, with more being commissioned every month.

"General Motors and Chevrolet have made a significant commitment to renewable energy," Jornlin concluded. "We've been pleased to work hand-in-hand with them, and cutting-edge dealers such as McCluskey Chevrolet, to help deliver on that commitment by installing solar EV charging stations."

About McCluskey Chevrolet

Founded in Cincinnati in 1973, McCluskey Chevrolet has consistently maintained the highest standards in customer satisfaction for nearly 40 years and has won numerous "Crescendo Awards" as being one of the most profitable and fastest growing privately held companies in the region by the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce. 

The dealership has two locations: the original location on Galbraith Road at I-75 and their newest location in Deerfield Township at the Kings Auto Mall.  McCluskey also has facilities on Beechmont Avenue and Colerain Avenue.

McCluskey Chevrolet is proud to represent Chevrolet as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 130 countries.  Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value.  Go to www.mccluskeychevrolet.com to search the dealership's wide selection of both new and used inventory.

About LSI Industries Inc.

LSI Industries Inc. is a vertically integrated manufacturer that combines assimilated technology, design and manufacturing to produce the most efficient, high quality products possible. LSI is dedicated to advancing solid-state technology to make affordable, high performance, energy efficient lighting and custom graphic products that bring value to its customers. In addition, LSI can provide sophisticated lighting and energy management control solutions to help customers manage their energy performance. Further, LSI offers design support, engineering, installation and project management for custom graphics rollout programs for today's retail environment. 

About Empower Energies

Empower Energies, Inc., headquartered in Troy, Michigan, is a renewable portfolio solutions provider focused on enterprise energy management, commercial-scale renewable energy, and clean transport infrastructure for General Motors and other customers, both in the United States and internationally. More information about Empower Energies can be found at www.empowerenergies.com.

SOURCE Empower Energies