Mirak Automotive Group, a new and pre-owned car dealership and service center, has partnered with Hopkinton, MA-based Solect Energy to install a 540 kilowatt (kW) solar energy system on the roof of its Mirak Service Center. The solar array consists of 1440 photovoltaic (PV) panels and is expected to produce 639,042 kilowatt hours (kwH) of energy annually. Mirak projects that the array will cover 100 percent of its service facility's energy needs. Additionally, its excess production will help defray energy costs at other buildings in the Mirak Automotive Group through net metering.

Mirak Automotive Group, an 80-year company with a history of excellent customer service, is one of Massachusetts' most successful retailers of electric cars from General Motors (GM) and Hyundai. Its service center is also one of the largest in New England, with more than 60 service bays. Mirak was determined to demonstrate its leadership in sustainable practices, and investigated solar as part of its efforts to become a GM Certified Green Dealer. A key component to earning that recognition is a commitment to using renewable energy and pursuing energy efficiency.

"It was important to us that we set a good example in the community for sustainable practices," said Rob Mirak, president of Mirak Automotive Group. "Solect Energy made the process of moving to solar seamless; from the outset, with their detailed financial proposal, to the installation, where they made sure there were no disruptions in the daily operations of our dealership and service center. We were very impressed with Solect's professionalism and attention to detail."

As a GM Certified Green Dealer, Mirak is one of only 94 Chevrolet dealerships out of about 3,000 nationwide, and one of only 129 GM dealerships out of more than 4,000 across the country that have been recognized for their commitment to sustainability.

In addition to their solar installation, Mirak has pursued additional sustainable practices. Specifically, the automotive group has implemented high efficiency LED lighting, recycling programs, waste water reclamation, updated high efficiency/low energy usage technology and equipment, hybrid parts-delivery vehicles and waste oil heaters.

Mirak will realize significant savings from its solar installation in a number of different ways. The array was designed to cover 100% of the electricity needs of the Mirak Service Center, and also to provide additional electricity to defray energy costs at other Mirak sites. By net metering its excess production Mirak expects to substantially reduce its energy bills at at its Mirak Chevrolet and Mirak Hyundai dealerships. Net metering allows customers to receive credits for any electricity that they generate but do not use. Finally, Mirak will be able to take advantage of state and federal tax and financial incentives, including SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Certificates), which are financial incentives based on the amount of solar energy the system generates. Electric utility providers in Massachusetts purchase SRECs to help them meet their state-mandated goals of a percentage of power coming from renewable energy sources.

"We applaud Mirak Automotive Group's commitment to green technology and commend them on their recognition as a GM Certified Green Dealer," said Steve Clairmont, Director, Business Development at Solect. "Not only does Mirak gain significant financial savings on its energy bills from its solar array, but also garners recognition and respect from its customers, automotive peers and the community at large for its leadership in sustainable practices."

Solect Energy | www.solect.com