Pythagoras Solar Turns Organic Valley Headquarters' into Energy Generating Asset

SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Pythagoras Solar, provider of the industry's first solar window to simultaneously deliver energy efficiency, high power density and optimized daylighting, today announced the completion of its industry leading solar window project at the Organic Valley headquarters in La Farge, Wisconsin.  Organic Valley, the nation's largest cooperative of organic farmers and a leading organic brand, has chosen Pythagoras Solar windows for its new headquarters to support the co-op's "triple bottom line" of sustainability -  social responsibility, ecological integrity and economic stability – by transforming  window facades into renewable energy generating assets.  This project included the installation of 20 solar windows that deliver solar power while simultaneously providing significant energy efficiency gains and optimized daylighting. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120124/LA40637)

"We hold ourselves to a high standard when it comes to sustainability – it is embedded in our culture.  That is why we searched for a window to provide us with both efficiency and power generation.  After combing through our options, it was clear that Pythagoras Solar was unique in its offering and that the potential benefits were unmatched," said Cecil Wright, Vice President of Sustainability and Local Operations, Organic Valley. "With these solar windows we plan to save energy and generate power at the same time, a positive contribution to meeting our overall operational sustainability goals.  By adopting these innovative windows, we are also helping to pave the way for this technology, which has the merit to become a standard in the design and construction of net zero energy buildings."

The new solar windows enable Organic Valley to turn off artificial lighting and work with more natural light as a result of the diffused light, rather than glare, entering through the windows.  In addition, the solar windows have reduced the energy needed to cool the building due to less heat penetrating the windows.  Organic Valley is committed to supporting these types of innovative technologies and together with power generation the windows have helped to create a more comfortable and productive work environment. 

"The successful partnership with Organic Valley is a testament to the momentum we are experiencing around our solar window technology.  We are proud to play a role in helping Organic Valley achieve their sustainability goals and are motivated by the successful completion of this project," said Udi Paret, VP Marketing and Business Development, Pythagoras Solar.  "As we move ahead in delivering on our pipeline of projects, and with the overwhelmingly positive response from the industry, we feel that our position as a solar window market leader continues to be recognized."

Industry Support

"Many solar building integration projects are time consuming and expensive due to specialized materials creating a complex installation processes," said Christopher La Forge, CEO, Great Northern Solar.  "With Pythagoras Solar's solar window technology, the integration process was efficient, reducing pressure on budgets.  For both new construction and retrofits, this is a very valuable product.  I look forward to working with Pythagoras in the future."

About Pythagoras Solar

Founded in 2007, Pythagoras Solar is uniquely positioned at the intersection of energy efficient building materials and photovoltaics. The company provides building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) products that enable the architecture, engineering and construction sectors to design buildings with increased energy efficiency, renewable power generation and appealing aesthetics, thereby increasing real estate value. Pythagoras Solar will advance distributed power generation, help achieve Net Zero Energy Buildings and have a lasting impact on green building and urban planning. Pythagoras Solar is a privately held company with operations in the United States, Israel and China. More information: www.pythagoras-solar.com.

Organic Valley: Independent and Farmer-Owned

Organic Valley is America's largest cooperative of organic farmers and one of the nation's leading organic brands. Organized in 1988, it represents 1,687 farmers in 35 states and three Canadian provinces, and achieved $715 million in 2011 sales. Focused on its founding mission of saving family farms through organic farming, Organic Valley produces a variety of organic foods, including organic milk, soy, cheese, butter, spreads, creams, eggs, produce and juice, which are sold in supermarkets, natural foods stores and food cooperatives nationwide. With its regional model, milk is produced, bottled and distributed right in the region where it is farmed to ensure fewer miles from farm to table and to support our local economies. The same farmers who produce for Organic Valley also produce a full range of delicious organic meat under the Organic Prairie label. For further information, call 1-888-444-MILK or visit www.organicvalley.coop, www.organicprairie.coop and the cooperative's farmer website, www.farmers.coop. Organic Valley is also on Twitter @OrganicValley and Facebook www.facebook.com/OrganicValley.

SOURCE Pythagoras Solar