Middletown auto shop goes green

Keenan Auto Body in Middletown is now home to the largest solar system of its kind in the state of Delaware.

Keenan Auto Body in Middletown is now home to the largest solar system of its kind in the state of Delaware.  The 248 solar power panels that now sit on the shop’s property are expected to generate 75 kilowatt-hours every year.  That equals about half of the power the shop needs.

Chief Operating Officer Mike Lavasseur says the company started “going green” by switching from a solvent-based paint to a water-based paint at its facilities.  He says swtiching to solar was the next step.  “When we did that, we saw some other opportunities to go green.  With what Delaware was doing for the contributions, having several discussions with wise power, we sat down, did the research, and it made a lot of sense for us to do it. “

The entire system cost $500,000, but that was cut in half thanks to the state’s green energy program.  The company was also able to apply $75,000 in federal stimulus money to the project.  That brought the total cost $175,000.  Company officials say the system should pay for itself in saved energy costs within three to five years.  They expect to save $1-million over the lifetime of the system.