Green Scene: Black Diamond to install solar panels on retail store
Black Diamond Equipment is collaborating with Solar Energy International (SEI), a nonprofit organization that provides training programs in renewable energy, to have it's students install solar panels on Black Diamond's Salt Lake City, Utah-based retail store.
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Black Diamond Equipment is collaborating with Solar Energy International (SEI), a nonprofit organization that provides training programs in renewable energy, to have it’s students install solar panels on Black Diamond’s Salt Lake City, Utah-based retail store.
As part of a design and installation case, SEI students will learn how to determine optimal sites for solar panels, size systems appropriately and specify components to fit electricity needs. Then as their final project, they will install a 2,200-watt grid-tied system on the Black Diamond retail store.
“Installing solar panels on our retail store is one of several ways we at Black Diamond practice what we preach in terms of preserving mountain, crag and canyon environments,” Peter Metcalf, Black Diamond’s CEO, said.
SEI’s upcoming Salt Lake City workshop is co-sponsored by the Utah Energy Office and the Green Building Center, which offers consultation on natural building materials and renewable energy technologies.
“It’s refreshing to see a company that makes its profits by manufacturing gear for people to enjoy outdoors take active responsibility in maintaining the health of the environment,” said Ashley Patterson of the Green Building Center, co-sponsor of the workshop. Â
Black Diamond is also an Environmental Protection Agency Green Power Partner, and was one of Utah’s first major manufacturers to be powered by wind. Started last January, its wind power commitment will double every year until 2007, and in one year alone, it has already reduced the amount of CO2 emissions released by over 111 tons.
SNEWS® is very committed to further the communication of the green message. Our monthly “Green Scene” column takes a look at what our industry is doing well, what it can do better, and provide inspiration and ideas for establishing our industry position as the leaders in green for both preservation and profit. If you have ideas or issues you would like to see us discuss, send an email to: GreenScene@snewsnet.com.
