CEO Pat Bollom of Smart Data Solutions, a Minnesota-based collateral-processing and workflow automation service, liked the idea of solar because of its investment value. He said the federal tax credits would allow his company to realize a payoff for his 173-kilowatt system within six years. The project’s financial viability and long-term prospect of reducing energy costs led him to invest in sustainable solar, even during a pandemic.
With a new rooftop solar installation by All Energy Solar, Smart Data Solutions will be able to generate two-thirds of its power through solar for roughly the next 40 years, saving in associated utility costs and providing a more sustainable alternative for energy. Over the course of a full year, roughly 195,000 kWh of energy will be generated by this system.
“We are delighted to have this clean energy alternative,” said John Prange, co-CEO of Smart Data Solutions. “This economically viable technology allows us to power our facility with no greenhouse emissions. It’s a win for everyone!”
Going solar has other business advantages for Smart Data. The company has a small client base of large companies, each with its own sustainability goals. Being able to showcase a green initiative like solar could help attract clients interested in sustainable suppliers, according to Bollum.
All Energy Solar provided Bollum with a report showing the value over 25 years of the installation is the equivalent of taking 651 cars off the road, planting more than 70,000 trees and reducing emissions from coal by 3.3 million pounds.
The company’s 440 panels produce enough energy to power 59 percent of its 29,000-square-foot building. “It will end up paying for itself in such a short time,” Bollom said. “I would recommend it to other businesses.”
