POWERHOME installs 428-panel solar array at Michigan car dealership
POWERHOME Solar completed the installation of 428 solar panels on LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Fenton, Michigan. The array is expected to produce nearly 180,000 kWh annually and will reduce the dealership’s electricity needs by 60% in its first year.
“My mom, Maureen LaFontaine, was a true pioneer in terms of our dealerships focusing on green initiatives,” said Ryan LaFontaine, COO, LaFontaine Automotive Group. “Being better stewards of the environment makes great business sense. Our sustainability efforts have had a positive impact on our bottom line, our workplace culture and our customers.”
The LaFontaine family invested heavily in the sustainability aspects of the dealership, building on best practices learned in the construction of their existing LEED-certified dealerships. Other green practices used at the LaFontaine CDJR Fenton dealership include:
- Additional roof insulation equal to R-38
- White solar reflective roof
- All LED lighting, interior and exterior, with advanced control systems
- High recycled content in 90% of building materials
- Waste stream management
- High-efficiency HVAC system and controls, occupancy controls and timers with Wi-Fi system controls and monitoring
- Low flow and measured fixtures for water efficiency
- Sourced materials regionally when possible
“We applaud the green investments undertaken by the LaFontaine family,” said Reid Bigland, head of sales, FCA U.S. “Their efforts are an example for the entire automotive industry as we all work to improve and protect our environment.”
A recent McKinsey paper stated dealers need drastic business-model changes in the approaching age of autonomous, electric and shared vehicles. These changes include reducing operating costs through improved efficiency.
“The fact that LaFontaine will own a majority of their power at their Fenton location says a lot about how much they believe in the value of solar,” said Jayson Waller, CEO of POWERHOME. “LaFontaine already is a leader in the U.S. auto industry, and adding renewable energy will further position the dealership as environmentally conscious.”
