Truliant Federal Credit Union has completed a 742-panel solar installation on the roof of its new Hanes Mall Operations Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Truliant recently finished converting the former three-story Macy’s store at Hanes Mall into an operations center for the credit union. The projected used 51,000 square feet of rooftop space — about the size of a football field — for the 352 kW solar installation. The system is fully operational.
“Just as we work to be good stewards of our members’ finances, Truliant is committed to doing the same for our environment,” said Todd Hall, president and CEO of Truliant. “Rooftop solar panels are just one of several sustainability initiatives in place at our operations center that help to move corporate social responsibility forward locally.”
The system is estimated to produce 485,000 kWh its first year. Truliant has converted the former three-story Macy’s from a retail store to an operations center through a major adaptive re-use project. The solar project — a first at Hanes Mall — is the largest rooftop solar installation in Forsyth County. Truliant will use all of the power from the panels.
“We hope that Truliant adding to our inventory of rooftop solar builds momentum for others who may be considering corporate sustainability projects in their business as a tool to draw workers, accommodate growth and spur more economic activity while preserving usable space and retaining the character of our city,” said Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines.
The installation is comprised of bifacial photovoltaic solar panels, which outperform traditional one-sided panels. Bifacial panels absorb sunlight and produce electricity from the front and the back of the panels to take advantage of reflected sunlight off the roof.
The project was installed by Renu Energy Solutions, a locally owned and operated solar installer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Founded in 2010, Renu has completed more than 4,500 solar installations.
“Renu is thrilled to be the solar partner to assist Truliant’s corporate sustainability initiatives,” said Jay Radcliffe, president and CEO of Renu Energy Solutions. “Truliant is truly paving the way as a leader in our communities by reducing its environmental impact and we are honored to be a part of Truliant’s efforts.”
Additional sustainability measures at the Operations Center include a Building Management System designed to manage efficiencies; upgrades to LED lighting in interiors and parking lots; and high efficiency heating and cooling at the facility.
“This project brings more attention to purpose-driven projects and thoughtful corporate citizenship,” said Mark Owens, president and CEO of Greater Winston-Salem Inc. “This is one of the many ways Truliant is committed to the long-term success of Winston-Salem.”
North Carolina ranks fourth nationally for total installed solar capacity, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Solar accounted for 45% of all new electricity-generating capacity added to the U.S. grid through the third quarter of 2022, more than any other electricity source, according to SEIA.
Tags: commercial and industrial, Renu Energy Solutions, rooftop solar
