On January 7, a 30kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system was switched on at Delta Products’ office in Research Triangle Park, N.C. Comprised of 160 solar panels, the array is the largest corporate-owned, roof-mounted solar PV system in the state. On average, it will produce about 36,000kWh of electricity each year. The electricity generated by the system flows directly into nearby utility power lines, earning Delta approximately 18 cents per kilowatt hour — about 4 cents per kilowatt hour from the utility and 14 cents per kilowatt hour from the North Carolina Green Power program. Delta partnered with Research Triangle Park, N.C.-based Southern Energy Management to engineer, design, and install the solar system.
Delta, provider of switching power and power management products, has focused on environmental issues for the past several years. The company is actively pursuing research in clean, renewable energy technologies. In addition to NC GreenPower and utility payments, Delta received tax incentives for its solar system, including state and federal tax credits, and accelerated depreciation. These incentives cover more than 70% of the cost of the system, estimated to pay for itself in less than 12 years. Previously, the largest corporate solar PV systems in the state have been around d10kW.
