ASHEVILLE, N.C.—The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa and FLS Energy of Asheville, N.C., have completed a project to add solar panels to the resort’s modern Sports Complex. The 12-panel solar thermal system at the Sports Complex will provide about 600 gallons of hot water a day for use in the locker rooms.
The project was designed using a solar Power Purchase Agreement, in which FLS Energy built and installed the system on the roof of the complex with no up-front cost to The Grove Park Inn. Grove Park Inn will in turn purchase the thermal energy to heat the water from FLS Energy at a rate equal to 20 percent less than that of fossil fuels. In addition to the immediate reduction in energy costs, FLS guarantees that the price of the solar energy will not increase for a period of at least 10 to 20 years. In other words, in 2020, Grove Park Inn will still be paying the same prices for heating water at the Sports Complex as in 2011.
“We are excited about this latest improvement at our Sports Complex,” said Ronald E. Morin, vice-president and managing director at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa. “From an extensive recycling program to providing special parking for alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles, we are committed to converting to as many green practices as possible.”
Morin added that not only will this save the resort money in the years to come, more importantly it will help protect the environment. “This project was such a success that it could lead to larger, more extensive solar energy projects at The Grove Park Inn in the future,” Morin said.
“FLS Energy is honored to have partnered with Grove Park Inn on this solar project,” said Brownie Newman, project finance director for FLS Energy. “This project demonstrates how businesses can access clean, renewable energy, reduce their operating costs and lock in low energy prices—all with no up-front cost required.”
Go to The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa and FLS Energy.
