Picture this; it is a bright and early morning in Flagstaff, Arizona. The morning sun hangs low in the cloudless sky. On the east side of town, Block-Lite’s conveyer belts are whirring, and their state-of-the-art machines are already up and running, manufacturing a plethora of pavers, a bevy of blocks, and a mixture of other masonry products. The sun has barely risen past the iconic peaks that Flagstaff calls home. However, it is the energy provided by the sun and captured by the 157kW roof-mounted photovoltaic system that is powering Block-Lite’s entire manufacturing process.
Solar Power In The State Of Arizona
Solar power is an increasingly popular option for generating electricity, and Arizona is a state that is well-suited for solar energy production. Arizona has abundant sunlight and large expanses of open land. These conditions make Arizona an ideal place to take advantage of solar technologies. The state’s very first commercial solar power system was built in 1997 right here in Flagstaff. At the time, that plant produces 82 kilowatts of solar power. Solar power currently provides about 9% of Arizona’s electricity needs, but this figure is expected to grow significantly in the years to come. Thanks to its sunny weather and a strong commitment to renewable energy, Arizona is well on its way to becoming a leader in solar power.
Solar Panels Used To Power The Block-Lite Factory
A lot has changed since the first solar power system was installed 25 years ago. For starters, the solar panels used in the photovoltaic system residing on top of the Block-Lite factory can produce almost double the amount of energy! Block-Lite’s solar project kicked off in the spring of 2020, making Block-Lite the first locally-owned solar-powered manufacturer in Flagstaff! The project was unique in accommodating the shape and structure of Block-Lite’s facilities. Construction was completed across multiple roofs that house Hanwha’s 325 Watt Qcell solar modules to take advantage of the open space around the factory and the clear skies to capture enough solar energy to power the plant’s daily operations.
Solar Energy Solutions
Finding a way to operate in a more environmentally conscious way was the primary purpose behind the decision to pursue solar energy solutions. Block-Lite’s photovoltaic system is estimated to produce an impressive 3,926,000 kilowatt hours of electricity over its lifetime. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, that is enough clean energy to offset 2,776 Metric Tons of Carbon dioxide from being emitted. This is the equivalent of 3,078,348 pounds of coal being burned or 6,442 barrels of oil being consumed. Block-Lite is a third-generation family-owned business that is proud to call Flagstaff home and even more proud to give back to the Flagstaff environment by switching to renewable, clean energy.
Harnessing The Potential Of Solar Energy
Solar power is one of the most promising renewable energy sources available today. Photovoltaic technologies capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity. Alternative forms of energy are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional energy sources. Solar power is leading the charge because it is a clean, renewable power source. By taking advantage of Arizona’s numerous sunny days, Block-Lite has seen tremendous advantages of using its rooftop photovoltaic system and hopes to set an example by paving the way for other manufacturers to do the same.
Across the United States, there is vast solar rooftop potential that– if utilized– represents over 1 terawatt of potential solar capacity. This would have an immensely positive environmental impact on communities across the nation! Although there is still a long way to go, Block-Lite takes immense pride in setting an example of how the manufacturing industry can play a part in making such a difference. After all, Block-Lite believes that providing quality and viable products to the community of Flagstaff should not come as a compromise to the quality and viability of Flagstaff itself.
