Dealership up to 904 solar panels after system expansion
The first 576 solar panels installed at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln went on the roof of the main sales and service building in 2017. Mark Smith, co-owner and general manager of the dealership, noticed an immediate difference in the electric bills.
“We saved about $25,000 a year,” Smith said.
Solar panels on top of the main sales and service building at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln.
In early March, 328 solar panels were added to the body shop and 74 to the reconditioning building. Smith expects the panels to supply more than 65 percent of all electrical needs at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln.
Solar is just one aspect of sustainability efforts at the dealership. Recycling, energy efficient lighting, and reuse of materials is part of everyday life in every building.
“I’ve always been interested in alternative energy sources,” Smith said. “At one time, I looked at windmills. Then I heard more about solar panels and tax credits. Some other companies we work with used solar, and I talked to them.”
He figures the solar panels, which have an estimated 30-year life, will pay for themselves in seven to nine years. “Even if it took 15 years, you still have another 15 years after that,” he said.
Instead, he’s found that panels need zero maintenance and snow melts quickly. When the first batch went in, Smith said he had concerns about longevity, maintenance and performance. Further, he can go online to see exactly how much electricity the panels generate.
Smith said Krapohl went with Michigan companies for both installations.
“I believe in protecting the environment, and I figured using solar would have a bigger impact with the business than at my house,” Smith said.
Among the other sustainability moves, Smith said a switch to LED lights made a difference. “The savings are amazing,” he said. “It’s about 90 percent less than what we used to use.”
Other sustainability efforts include:
- Oil-burning furnaces: The Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center generates a lot of used oil. Smith put in the first oil-burning furnace nearly 20 years ago, and he’s added to the system over the years. He’s up to “seven or eight” furnaces. “The new ones are more efficient and burn less oil. Oil that does not go into the furnaces is recycled. Oil filters are crushed to get all of the oil out of them.” That oil often bought and used to make asphalt or similar products.
- Cardboard, paper: “We have a LOT of cardboard. We recycle paper and cardboard. It’s just expected here. People learn it’s part of the job.” Boxes are often reused to ship parts and other materials.
- Tires: Tires with little wear are sold to a business. A tire recycling company collects ones not resold.
- Water safety: “When we clean dirt and oil off a part, we use recycled water so we are not discharging a chemical into the system,” Smith said.
- Batteries: Old batteries are sent to Ford or the battery manufacturer.
- Metal: Some is sold to a scrap metal facility.
- Re-use: “Wooden pallets are reused for shipping or storage. Anything we can re-use, we do.”
- Proper disposal: Chemicals such as air conditioning fluid and brake fluid are disposed of properly.
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