Wattlots Installation Projected to Save Berkeley Heights Hospital $1.7 million
Wattlots, the Millington-based solar panel parking lot system developer that is also affiliated with the NJIT Enterprise Development Center, cut a ribbon on its first installation of a Power Arbor parking lot system at Runnells Specialized Hospital in Berkeley Heights, N.J. We covered Wattlots at a NJTC mid-Atlantic Innovation Competition in late 2011.
According to Wattlots, the installation will save the hospital $1.7 million and reduce carbon emissions by 3,300 tons over the life of the system. It was installed by EMSA Solar (Parlin) and funded by a Union County Federal Stimulus Fund Grant.
Wattlots is the brainchild of architect William Kaufman who is New Jersey’s first LEED accredited architect. He established the company in 2009. The Power Arbor system, unlike other flat panel systems, features an open-air design that does not collect snow. The design is said to provide up to 60 more days of operation per year, making it perfect for Northeast Corridor lots or regions with regular snowfall. The structures are manufactured and assembled in New Jersey.
“This solar installation represents another step forward for Union County as we transition toward new energy technologies that are cleaner, safer, and healthier and that save money, too,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “We are very proud that Union County is helping to ensure that New Jersey continues its national leadership role in the solar energy field.”
Several other dignitaries were on hand to inaugurate the Wattlots installation including State Senator Thom Kean, Jr. and Union County Freeholder Vernell Wright.
