Making metal designs with the sun.
Chemetal, a manufacturer of metal designs and laminates for interior spaces, has partnered with Solect Energy of Hopkinton, MA to install a 201.6 kilowatt (kW) solar energy system on the roof of its Easthampton manufacturing plant. The array consists of 560 photovoltaic (PV) panels, which are projected to produce 210,686 kilowatt hours (kwH) of energy annually. Chemetal anticipates the array will provide up to 33% of its facility’s annual electricity use.
“We began seriously considering solar when we doubled the size of our facility in 2016,” said Geoff Schaefer, President / Creative Director of Chemetal. “The incentives, including tax credits and accelerated depreciation, were beneficial, as was the opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint with renewable energy. Solect did a great job making a complicated proposition clear and straightforward; their pricing was competitive and they were very helpful in shepherding us through the process.”
Chemetal is one of the world’s largest sources of metal designs and laminates for commercial and residential interiors. Chemetal makes many metal designs in-house, where its trained production crew creates works of art on metal with a manufacturing consistency.
The 50 year old family-owned business has a strong commitment to green practices. Many of its metal products are made entirely of aluminum, the most recycled material on the planet. Some of its aluminum finishes contain up to 85% recycled content, offering builders and architects LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) credits. LEED is the most widely used third-party verification for green buildings. The company recycles paper and cardboard materials to minimize additions to the waste stream. It also sells any scrap metal material to be repurposed. The company is also a FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified supplier for its Treefrog real wood veneer laminate products. FSC certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits.
“Given its strong commitment to green building products that feature LEED and FSC certification, Chemetal’s move to solar energy was natural,” said Scott Howe, Partner, Senior Vice President at Solect Energy. “Chemetal will create its signature products utilizing clean energy. The company will benefit from lower energy costs, tax and other financial incentives, and have the satisfaction of knowing they are improving on their already strong pledge to protect the planet.”