LOCKPORT, N.Y. -- Crosby's, Reid Petroleum and Montante Solar have announced the installation of a 200-panel, 52 kilowatt ground mounted solar array system at the Crosby's Lockport, N.Y., location. This project marks the first instance of solar power usage by a western New York convenience store, the companies said.
"Throughout our history, Crosby's and Reid Petroleum have focused on doing things differently and adopting innovative approaches to everyday operations as a way to really distinguish our brand from the competition," said Reid Group CEO Paul Reid. "This new solar array installation will allow us to save money and reduce energy consumption at our Lake Avenue location, while at the same time producing green, renewable power that reduces stress on the regional electric grid."
The Crosby's solar array field is organized into six groups, each consisting of two rows of portrait-style panels. The system faces due south at a tilt of 20 degrees and is projected to yield roughly 55,500 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. The array is tied to the local electric grid and will offset approximately 20% of the property's total energy usage. This electricity generation is comparable to the annual energy-usage rate of approximately six homes.
"Crosby's and Reid Petroleum strive to provide our customers with great service, quality products, and the convenience of a quick and easy shopping experience," said Reid Group president Paul Quebral. "At the same time, we remain committed to reducing our environmental footprint in the many communities that we are fortunate enough to call home."
The project was formally commissioned in Oct. 2013 and received partial funding assistance through the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA).
"This project has been a great opportunity to showcase the market viability of our solar technology in a retail setting, particularly as it pertains to helping a local western New York business lower their monthly electric bills, and contribute to the region's ongoing renewable energy movement," said Montante Solar president Daniel Montante.
"Today's announcement cements a great partnership between two great companies that is not only good for business but for the environment," said U.S. Congressman Chris Collins.
"New York State's economic future will be driven by responsible and innovative hometown businesses that are proactive in finding ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency, while at the same time offering great products and services to their customers," said New York State Senator and Senate Energy Committee Chairman George Maziarz.
"Having a great deal of experience in the private sector, I know first-hand of the many difficult investment decisions that small, medium and large western New York companies face on a daily basis," said New York State Assemblywoman and Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee Member Jane Corwin. "For this reason and various others I commend Reid Stores for operating their business in a forward-thinking, environmentally-conscious manner."
Montante Solar, Buffalo, N.Y., is a full-service installer of commercial and residential solar energy projects. It provides clients with a range of solar services including design, construction, solar panel installation, maintenance and financing.
Crosby's, a division of The Reid Group, operates convenience stores throughout northwestern Pennsylvania and western New York. The Reid Group, founded in 1922, is a full-service independent motor fuel marketer, providing a comprehensive range of products and services for retail motor fuel outlets and convenience stores.
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