Lakeside Chevrolet of Rockwall (www.lakesidechevrolet.com) will soon have more than superior horsepower going for it. One of North Texas' premier Chevrolet dealerships has announced that it will begin sourcing almost one-third of its electricity needs from a solar roof-mount system that will produce environmentally friendly electricity while cutting operating costs. Lakeside, which has been in Rockwall for almost 50 years, will be the first automotive dealership in the growing city to tap into the power of solar.

Lakeside Chevrolet in Rockwall, Texas, a long-time community leader, has become the first auto dealership in this booming suburb to deploy solar power to generate clean, renewable electricity. Dallas-based Sunfinity Renewable Energy designed and installed the 588-panel system, which is estimated to save more than $500,000 in utility bills.

Sunfinity Renewable Energy, headquartered in Dallas, designed, engineered and managed the installation of the 588 photovoltaic panel system, which is located on four Lakeside buildings: the primary dealership building, the service shop, the auto body repair shop and the warehouse.

The 199.9kW DC system is projected to offset more than 300,000 kilowatt-hours of power per year, with a savings exceeding $566,000 in electricity costs over the next 30 years. The system is also expected to have an air quality benefit offsetting nearly 500,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. Installation is complete on site at 2005 S. Goliad Street.

The dealership was able to save on the cost of the system by combining a 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) with an Oncor Solar Incentive. Brad J. Snyder, president of Sunfinity's Commercial Division, noted that ITC incentives are scheduled to scale back starting in 2020.

"The ITC steps down to 26 percent for projects that begin construction in 2020, and 22 percent for projects that begin in 2021. After 2021, the commercial credit drops to a permanent 10 percent. The time is now to execute commercial solar projects."

"Going solar is not only an environmentally friendly choice, it's actually a strategic advantage," said Bob Holliman, Lakeside's Dealer. "North Texas is an extremely competitive market for automobile sales and service; if we can save on utility bills - and the savings start day one - then that money can go into services that will make a real difference for our customers, helping our business grow."

Snyder pointed out that Lakeside's solar generation also lowers their electricity demand during the highest priced periods, allowing them to lock in their remaining electricity needs at a lower price per kilowatt hour with their electricity provider. "This provides an optimized on-peak/off-peak load shape with budget certainty over the life of the solar asset, which is expected to be 30 years or more," he said.

"Our roots in North Texas go back almost 50 years," Holliman added. "We consider the switch to solar to be part of our leadership role in the community, and as part of our duty to improve the quality of life for everyone who lives here."

Related Links
Sunfinity Renewable Energy
All About Solar Energy at SolarDaily.com

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