$1.1 million project of solar system will provide 94% of power to Honolulu-based apparel company Tori Richard

Honolulu-based apparel company Tori Richard has installed a commercial photovoltaic system, a conversion that its vendor, Suntech Hawaii, reports makes it the first apparel manufacturer of its size in the United States to derive virtually all of its power from solar energy.

With the $1.1 million project installed by Suntech Hawaii, the designer and manufacturer of men's and women's resort apparel has installed 682 solar modules on the roof of its headquarters in Kalihi. Suntech Hawaii designed the 154 kilowatt (kW) system that it says will provide 94 percent of the company's power.

Suntech Hawaii reports that because Hawaii generates most of its electricity using petroleum-based methods, the solar-energy system will result in nearly 300,000 fewer pounds of CO2 emitted and 4,356 fewer barrels of oil consumed over the life of the system.

Tori Richard was founded in Honolulu in 1956, and its apparel can be found in more than 2,500 stores worldwide, as well as at its vertically integrated retail locations in Hawaii. The company reports that it has taken several measures over the years to reduce its electricity consumption, including switching to low-energy efficient lighting, upgrading its air-conditioning systems and installing reflective roof coatings.

Josh Feldman, Tori Richard owner and CEO, said: "Going to a photovoltaic system was a huge commitment but also a natural step for us. Not only does it help the environment, it significantly helps our bottom line. While it feels nice to make 'green' decisions," the fact is the PV installation makes simple economic sense. Without significant cost savings, this would not be possible."

Source:apparelmag.com