Weaverville Solar panels energize AB Emblem


By Matt Tate For years most saw solar pan-


els as little more than energizers for their pocket calculators. Thanks to a recent roof-


top installation of panels, one Weaverville company will now be counting its emissions reduc- tions. AB Emblem will now be pow-


ered by 1,280 PV solar panels provided by BP Solar and de- signed, installed and financed by SunEnergy1 out of Moorse- ville. “We are glad to provide our


rooftop for solar electricity gen- eration as it helps to conserve the land and is an important step towards reducing our car- bon footprint,” said Bernhard Conrad, owner of the fifth- generation family business of Conrad Industries, in a press release. The 250-kilowatt solar array


system will generate 325,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity this year, roughly the equivalent of the annual energy demand of


The panels at AB Emblem cover the entire roof.


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22 typical homes. SunEnergy1 agreed to a 20-


year power purchase agree- ment with Progress Energy. Kenny Habul, CEO of


SunEnergy1, said the com- pany had been looking for a project and the Conrads were immediately receptive to the idea. The installation is the largest project in Western North Carolina. SunEnergy1 will install a


similar project on the nearby York Labels factory in the near future, making the solar proj- ect in Weaverville one of the most intensive in the country. “We are dedicated to the


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We insure mobile homes! 6 THE TRIBUNE/LEADER - November 4 - November 10, 2010


growth of renewable energy and proud to own and oper- ate this system. We encourage other solar developers to in- vest in the industry by financ- ing and owning systems. We encourage more businesses to take advantage of the Progress Energy SunSense program and are happy to offer our support and expertise,” Habul said in a press release. Paul Conrad, vice president


of operation at AB Emblem, said the company has been at its Merrimon Avenue location for 43 years and makes 65 million emblems a year.


Kenny Habul speaks about the importance of all renewable energy sources during the ribbon-cutting event.


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