OEEB Energy Program Helps Essex Company Evaluate Expansion of Solar Power Installation

The Office of Energy Efficient Businesses, administered by CCAT, helps companies weigh the benefits of solar installations to improve energy efficiencies and reduce operating costs.

East Hartford, Conn. (PRWEB) July 07, 2015

An Office of Energy Efficient Businesses (OEEB) assessment shows that Bell Power Systems in Essex, Conn. could double their energy savings with a new solar installation estimated to generate more than 2.6 million kWh of energy over the next 20 years.

OEEB, which is administered and staffed by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT) with funding from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the U.S. Department of Energy, provided Bell Power with a free energy assessment. The evaluation helped the company weigh the benefits of expanding their solar installation to improve their energy profile.

Bell Power Systems, a provider of diesel engine packages, service parts, and drivetrain components, was considering adding to their existing solar installation after expanding their 60,000 square-foot Essex facilities by 12,000 square feet and upgrading the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC).

"I've always believed that the key components for business success are to invest in the company and to lower operating costs," said Bell Power Systems General Manager Mike McNeil. "Bell Power also wants to be energy efficient and use clean, renewable energy."

According to McNeil, Bell Power contacted the Office of Energy Efficient Businesses (OEEB) for an unbiased assessment of the energy efficiency opportunities at their facility. The OEEB assessment included a review of the project proposal that indicated an average annual production of approximately 134,000 kWh in the first year, with significant energy savings during the 20-year operating life of the solar panels. With the expansion of the solar installation, Bell Power could double their energy savings.

"The OEEB staff wasn't interested in selling us anything," commented McNeil. They just wanted to give us unbiased information to help us make the right energy decisions. When we saw the potential savings, we knew immediately that the additional solar installation was a no brainer."

Bell Power began installation of the new solar system in June and plans to have it completed and running by mid-July.

ABOUT CCAT
Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT), a nonprofit economic development organization headquartered in East Hartford, Conn., is a leader and go-to resource for strengthening competitiveness and high-tech business development in the state, region and nation. CCAT focuses on three core areas: technology, efficiencies and workforce development, with expertise in manufacturing technology, IT, education and workforce strategies, and energy solutions. Through the synergy of its experienced teams, advanced technologies and extensive partnerships, CCAT provides manufacturers, educators, government, nonprofits and entrepreneurs with innovative solutions to tackle economic challenges, compete and succeed.

ABOUT OEEB
The Office of Energy Efficient Businesses (OEEB) program, administered and staffed by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT), with funding from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the U.S. Department of Energy, provides direct assistance to Connecticut businesses to reduce energy costs and decrease energy consumption. OEEB screens for potential energy efficiency and conservation measures, reviews options for energy procurement, and identifies opportunities to deploy onsite renewable energy systems using funding from existing programs and/or private investment.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/OEEBBellPower/07/prweb12832342.htm