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Precision Plus’ Solar Array Stats: CO2 Emission Saved: 15,189.97lb; Equivalent Trees Planted: 390.04; Light Bulbs Powered: 30,305.88 For a Day

Michael Reader

Today is August 29, 2015, at approximately 12 pm. It is a cloudy day in Elkhorn, WI, with the temperature barely making it over 60°F, and 80% chance of storms. Yet, the solar array installed on Precision Plus’ rooftop, is currently generating 22.46 kW of power (of its potential 99 kW), having produced 34.8 kWh so far today. Somewhat low, if compared with the total 649.523 kWh generated August 11th, a sunny day. But it’s cloudy and it is raining.

Since the array went live on August 7, 2015, it has produced more than 10MWh of energy. All things considered (sunny and cloudy days in Elkhorn, Wisconsin) the solar array is predicted to produce about 6.5% of the power consumed by Precision Plus

The installation, under the supervision of Kettle View Renewable Energy, LLC of Random Lake, WI took about a month to complete. The video below documents its progress. The images and the video within, are courtesy of Neil Fleischhacker, Facilities Manager at Precision Plus, who was also responsible for this project.

To read more about Precision Plus’ solar array, click HERE.

For any questions or comments, please contact Neil Fleischhaker by phone or email.

Green Initiatives in Place at Precision Plus in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, are Also Fiscally Responsible

Michael Reader

By Neil Fleischhacker
Facilities Manager, Precision Plus

More than just a trend, green initiatives are a reality. Helping protect our environment by taking decisive measures is at the top of the list of many organizations and commercial enterprises, including Precision Plus

There is, however, a flip side to the green coin, as green projects should not only be accountable for their impact on the environment, but they must also be seen as a business model for sustainability. In other words, they must be fiscally responsible.

Solar Array Installation

Early in July 2015, Precision Plus began installing solar array panels that will generate about 6.28% of the company’s demand for energy. This project has been in the works for the last 18 months. There were many considerations for this installation, including expandability, flexibility, the ability to be repaired and/or updated with new technology, and its return on investment.

At what point, considering all aspects, would the installation become a profit center? Look for more updates in August, after the installation is completed.

Filtering System for Oils

The same premise of maintaining a fiscally responsible sustainability initiative was put in motion when assessing a system that would filter varnishes and other particulates that shorten the life of the oil used in the plant’s machinery.

The $22/gallon oil used for this purpose is specially formulated with additives that make the equipment run optimally. With time, the oil becomes more acidic, slushy, and without the right lubricity, it increases the chances for damaging tools and parts, and even stopping production. If a machine goes down, it takes approximately 24 hours to drain it, clean it and restart it.

In the past, the unusable oil would be taken to an incinerator which handles these types of products. After researching other options, Precision Plus commissioned a custom-built filtering system from Hy-Pro, which recycles the oil by cleaning it and reinjecting it into the machines. To ensure the quality of the filtered oil is par with the requirements, a before and after sample is sent to a lab. In the last year, 600 gallons were recovered, extending the usability of the oil by an average of six months.

When the oil is no longer usable, rather than being incinerated, it is sent to a facility in Michigan to be reconditioned and completely stripped of additives and particulates, and subsequently resold. For each gallon the facility receives, Precision Plus is paid the current market price, with the highest price to-date being $1.35 per gallon. Although this already offsets the cost of shipping the oil to the facility, Precision Plus is looking to partner with other companies to help reduce LTL freight costs, and increase the profit for each gallon sold.

Shop Towel Oil Recovery Spinner

Another self-sustained green initiative has been put into place by spinning soaked shop towels and rags, and recovering regular oil. The spinner has a centrifuge that spins solids out of it. The recovered oil is then filtered and reused. In a typical week, 10 gallons of oil are recovered.

LED Lighting

Precision Plus has begun looking at LED lighting and whether it can also become a fiscally sound green initiative. LED lighting has been installed in the Shipping Department, and preliminary calculations indicate that it does make fiscal/environment sense to use in that department.   Included in the equation are initial cost, efficiency, maintenance required, life span, and predicted energy increases.

Precision Plus is committed to a business model of sustainability that benefits both the environment and the company.

Precision Plus In Elkhorn, WI to Install a 99kW Solar Array to Generate 6.5% of Its Annual Energy Demand

Michael Reader

Precision Plus in Elkhorn, WI plans to install a 99kW solar array, with a completion date of early August, 2015.

The solar array is estimated to generate the equivalent of 6.5% of the facility’s annual energy demand. The ballasted roof mount, fixed-tilt array will comprise of 360 SolarWorld SW 285 Monocrystalline panels, 180 Solar Edge P600 DC Power Optimizers, and 5 Solar Edge SE 20KUS, 3 phase, 480 Vac inverters. In its first year, the array is projected to produce more than 131,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity.

The installation of the solar array at Precision Plus’ manufacturing facility marks the latest step in the company’s sustainability initiatives to support the use of renewable energy. “We have long embraced ‘green’ practices,” comments Mike Reader, the company’s president, “and look forward to adding the solar array to continue to maximize our commitment to preserving our environment.”

Precision Plus partnered with Kettle View Renewable Energy on this project, a leading wind and solar photovoltaics (PV) installation and maintenance provider from Random Lake, Wisconsin. A key to the project’s success is a state award that will fund 23% of the project costs. Kettle View Renewable Energy assisted in the grant writing process and provided engineering, procurement and construction services for the project. Permitting and interconnection applications have been submitted, and work is scheduled to begin in early July.