ASHEVILLE, N.C.—The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa announced that it has entered into a partnership with FLS Energy 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 is being developed using an innovative solar Power Purchase Agreement, in which FLS Energy will design and install 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 price for heating water at the Sports Complex as in 2010.
“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. Not only will this save the resort money in the years to come, more importantly it will help protect the environment. Environmental sustainability is not just something The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa strives for as a company, but it is also obviously a personal passion of many members of our staff. In that, we are always asking ourselves what can we do better for our next hundred years?”
Key annual environmental benefits from the project include: seven tons of CO2 avoided per year; the equivalent of 22 trees planted per year; and three cars taken off the road per year.
“FLS Energy is honored to be partnering with Grove Park Inn on this solar project,” said Brownie Newman, project finance director for FLS Energy. “This project will demonstrate how businesses can access clean, renewable energy, reduce their operating costs and lock in low energy prices—all with no up-front cost required.”
The solar system is set to be installed and operational by the end of the year.
Go to The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa and FLS Energy.
