Atlanta’s Largest Rooftop Solar Project Powers Sustainable Manufacturing
Flooring manufacturer Beauflor USA has activated metro Atlanta’s largest industrial rooftop solar installation, demonstrating how heavy industry can embrace renewable energy. “This project reflects our dual commitment to sustainability and smart business decisions,” says Emile Coopman, Continuous Improvement Manager at Beauflor.
The Business Case for Rooftop Solar in Manufacturing
Manufacturers benefit from solar’s predictable costs compared to volatile grid prices. Beauflor’s partnership with Cherry Street Energy transforms an operational expense into a fixed investment through long-term power agreements.
System Specifications and Impact
While exact capacity isn’t disclosed, installations of this scale typically range 1-2 MW – enough for hundreds of homes. With manufacturing consuming 30% of US electricity, onsite generation reduces grid strain and cuts emissions.
Energy Storage: Future Expansion Potential
The grid-tied system currently lacks batteries, which could change with advanced energy storage solutions. For now, net metering handles surplus production from the daytime operation schedule.
Regional Manufacturing Leadership
Beauflor’s project provides a blueprint for Georgia manufacturers, from Dalton’s carpet mills to West Point auto plants. With state incentives and falling solar panel costs, the economics keep improving for industrial adoption.
This mirrors California’s 2020 solar canopies over factory parking lots. The Southeast could similarly transform unused rooftop space into clean energy assets, ensuring reliable operations for round-the-clock production demands.
