DALTON, Ga., April 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- IVC US has commissioned a solar energy system at its new U.S. Headquarters in Dalton, Georgia. The rooftop solar array is complimented by a 15' X 15' solar tracker on the Dalton Bypass that follows the sun as it moves across the horizon. The 101.66kW system collects radiation from the sun with Schuco panels, and converts the power for commercial energy use with a grid interactive inverter. The project was engineered, procured, and constructed by United Renewable Energy LLC, a commercial solar installer based out of Alpharetta, Georgia.

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Last year IVC constructed its new US headquarters in Dalton with state-of-the-art manufacturing and distribution facilities. The 520,000 square foot building more than doubles the size of the previous location, and will further propel IVC US to the forefront of the domestic sheet vinyl industry. The $75 million capital investment has created more than 150 long-term jobs for Dalton, a community that has been plagued by unemployment caused by the economic recession. "IVC US believes in being good corporate stewards of our community and environment, and we understand the importance of minimizing our ecological footprint," said Xavier Steyaert, CEO of IVC US. "Utilizing solar energy is one of several green initiatives we have integrated into our new facility."

United Renewable Energy designed and constructed the solar power system using 476 Schuco Solar Panels, converting the solar energy for use in the plant. The energy collected from the panels is enough to power 10 average American homes, and offset approximately 2,000 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere during the 25 year lifetime of the system. The panels will supply enough energy to cover most of the corporate office use. "IVC US continues to raise the bar for responsibility in manufacturing, while investing in its community and business," said William Silva, President of United Renewable Energy. "It was a pleasure to work with a growing manufacturing company who focuses on sustainability and quality in their flooring products."

Businesses are reducing energy usage, cutting costs and hedging against increasing utility bills by generating clean renewable energy at manufacturing plants and commercial buildings throughout the southeast. Available incentives like state tax credits, utility company rebates, and Federal grants provide companies with payback of less than five years.

SOURCE United Renewable Energy, LLC