The Matspeth Community has announced the completion of a solar energy system on top of the distribution center for Kam Man Food Corporation, a leading Asian supermarket chain, which operates stores in New York City, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.

The 35,000 square-foot food distribution facility in Matspeth, a community in the New York City borough of Queens, New York, now operates a 101-kW solar energy system that will generate electricity for the building's refrigeration requirements, greatly reducing its overall electricity costs and dependence on the regional utility company.

The solar project involved the installation of 442 solar PV panels and associated electrical hardware on the roof of the warehouse. Centrosolar America was selected to supply the solar panels and inverters and Renusol America provided the mounting system. Centrosolar America is well known for its popular CentroPack 'all in one', customized and fully integrated photovoltaic system for residential and commercial solar installations.

The Renusol America's CS60 mounting system selected for this project represents the latest innovation in solar mounting system for flat roofs. The Renusol CS60 is the industry's first-ever 'one unit per one PV panel' mounting system and is changing how solar arrays are deployed on flat rooftops across America by eliminating the panel layout restrictions inherent to traditional, rigid aluminum racking rails.

It is made from 100% recycled HMWPE, bringing another sustainable building solution to the US building industry. The mounting unit is pre-molded with fewer parts, which means savings on time and labor costs for solar installers.

"We were able to demonstrate to the executives of Kam Man Foods how this solar energy system would cut their energy bills substantially-even in the Northeast, where the amount of sunshine is unpredictable," said Andrew Lai, Helios Senior Business Development Manager.

"By using the latest, most innovative solar products on the market, we were able to install the project quickly and without incurring any of the weather-related delays that can be typical in this part of the country."

Quad State Solar of Plainview, New York installed the system. Quad State Solar is recognized by several government agencies in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania as an approved solar installation contractor and is certified with several alternative energy trade associations as a contractor and installation instructor.

"We've now become a regional role model for renewable energy usage. This 101kw system actually offset 100% of our annual usage. We are delighted to share our joyfulness with all our neighbors and the community. We recognize this is a great investment. We will also enjoy a generous incentive from government related departments," said Vice-President of Kam Man Food Corporation Andrew Nie.