Mason City, Iowa – 18 July 2014 – FRC , an international company with headquarters in Florida, develops and manufactures avionics and telecommunication products. Its Mason City, Iowa facility has just been equipped with a 502kW High Efficiency Solar System. Now the largest solar production site in Iowa, this photovoltaic solar array has been installed in about 1.5 acres on the north side of FRC’s facility.
As a company that has been diligent in pursuing competitive advantages and protecting the local jobs in the regional area, and as a large consumer of electricity, FRC saw solar power as an effective solution to increase its competitiveness and to reduce its operating costs. This installation will generate approximately 710,000 kWh of solar energy per year and is expected to provide about 60 percent of the company’s energy consumption. This solar system will reduce the company’s electricity costs, but more importantly will provide a 25 year hedge against future electricity price increases.
Mohamed Raji, Sr. Vice President of the FRC Group, said, “While making the switch to solar has been a large capital investment for our business, we see it as a wise investment decision. Turning to solar power will be critical to the long-term success of our business as it will enhance our competitiveness and the longevity of our operations.”
This investment also demonstrates FRC’s proactive choice to switch away from traditional sources of electricity generation and support cleaner renewable energy alternatives. This solar project will reduce the factory’s carbon CO2 footprint by up to 14,555 tons over the life of the system. The gains are equivalent to removing 29,110,000 vehicle miles off the road, recycling 45,994 tons of waste versus sending it to the landfill, the electricity used by more than 1,650 average American homes, or planting 339,132 trees.
Ahmed Elmahdawy, CEO, states, “We are proud to invest in this solar project and become more sustainable, while also sending a message to others across Iowa and the U.S. that supporting clean sources of electricity is a sound business decision and an important choice in reducing climate risk.”