Premier powers Ohio facility with solar

   Premier Transportation, a Forest Park, Ga.-based trucking company, has installed a solar array system at its Grove City, Ohio location that will generate more than 70,000 kilowatt hours annually, the equivalent of burning almost 4,000 fewer gallons of gas per year.
   The company hired Renewvia Energy to design and build the solar array. The system generates enough solar energy for the company to power all of the Ohio operation. Premier is now considering solar generation for other locations around the country.
   “At Premier, we are continually evaluating and researching opportunities for renewable energy sources to improve our efficiency and reduce our impact on the environment,” said Mike Medici, chairman and chief executive officer, in a statement. “Many of our trucks run on compressed natural gas fuel, and utilizing the otherwise dormant rooftop space on Premier’s facilities to generate the required power to run the facility was an easy decision.”
   Renewvia, a specialist in project-finance commercial solar power development, said this is the largest commercial array allowed under American Electric Power’s renewable program. By taking advantage of American Electric Power’s renewable energy rebate, as well as federal tax benefits, Premier will realize an immediate payback of equity.
   “Premier will offset almost 100 percent of the utility power required to operate its logistics and mechanical location in Ohio,” said Trey Jarrard, CEO of Renewvia. “We are proud to work with a forward-thinking company that appreciates the financial and environmental benefits of solar power.”