Alpha Energy Completes One of the Largest Continuous Elevated Solar Energy Racking Structures in the US

“We are proud to design and deliver a full megawatt of solar power to the renewable energy power grid,” said Drew Zogby, President and COO of Alpha Technologies. “This new solar power installation is a great example of effectively provisioning a major PV installation at an existing commercial site. The system is installed on the largest continuous Elevated Solar Racking structure in the United States. It is equivalent in size to three football fields elevated 23 feet into the air, and provides protection from the elements for Manheim NJ Auto Auction to prep and stage vehicles for sale.”

This 1MW single continuous array of solar modules includes more than 5,000 photovoltaic panels spanning a total area of 104,000 square feet. The panels are tied in to one single meter via 11 separate inverters; this ensures that if a single array needs troubleshooting, 90 percent of the system will be producing electricity. Construction and installation required 550,000 pounds of steel, 240 cubic yards of concrete and 54,000 feet of wiring. The system will generate more than one million kilowatt hours per year, which is roughly the amount required to power 114 homes. The resulting CO2 offset of 1.9 million lbs is equivalent to preventing the annual emissions from 158 cars.

“Alpha Energy specializes in the design, engineering and installation of complete renewable energy systems for businesses of all sizes,” said Zogby. “The extraordinary size of this Elevated Solar Racking structure was an ideal fit for us, as we were able to present Manheim NJ Auto Auction with a comprehensive project package including system options, material procurement and turnkey project management. To help reduce the net cost of the project, we advised Manheim of the potential federal and state incentive programs, including New Jersey’s Solar Renewable Energy Credits.”

Offering a comprehensive package including competitive pricing, innovative engineering and a total power solution, Alpha Energy designed, installed, commissioned and tested the system. Engineered to meet the customer’s objective of maximum electricity at a minimum cost, the system includes a web-based monitoring system to allow for easy energy tracking and performance.

Manheim is the world’s leading provider of automotive services to commercial sellers and automobile dealers. By offering multiple selling opportunities and a full array of services – reconditioning, certification, marshaling, title management, managed remarketing, repossession, end-of-lease-term management, retail inspection, vehicle transportation and dealer floor planning – Manheim impacts every stage of a used vehicle’s life cycle.
Manheim is also the leading technology provider, supplying tools to help commercial sellers and dealers not only manage their businesses, but also realize the full value of their vehicles. A wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, Manheim is a global organization with 32,000 employees at its 124 worldwide locations.

Alpha Energy, is a full-service engineering and project development company for turnkey renewable energy technologies and photovoltaic systems for commercial, institutional and remote (off-grid) applications. Alpha Energy is a division of Alpha Technologies, a world leading Total Power Solutions provider for more than thirty years. Alpha Energy office locations include Bellingham, WA and Phoenix, AZ. Alpha Energy is a member of The Alpha Group.

The Alpha Group represents a global alliance of independent companies that share a common philosophy - create world-class Total Power Solutions for communication, commercial, industrial and renewable energy markets.

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