Namaste Solar and Vaisala, a global leader in weather, environmental, and industrial measurements, have announced a collaboration to design and complete the construction of a 228-kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) system at Vaisala’s state-of-the-art North American headquarters in Louisville.
“As a company that is embedded in communities across the globe, we believe in a future where societies thrive on renewable energy,” says T.J. Mattimore, director of legal for Vaisala North America. “This installation continues Vaisala’s commitment to sustainability and underlines our dedication to achieving our lofty environmental, social, and governance goals. We aim to inspire other companies to embrace sustainable energy solutions and create a cleaner, greener world for all.”
Anticipating completion in December, the solar PV system includes two rooftop arrays — one ballasted on a flat roof and the other flush-mounted on a pitched roof — as well as a vertical façade array. The system is projected to offset approximately 69% of the electricity consumption at Vaisala’s North American headquarters. Estimates predict the robust system will produce 278,910 kilowatt-hours in year one, the offset equivalent of CO2 emissions from 22,241 gallons of gasoline consumed. Vaisala expects its investment to break even by 2032.
Vaisala and Namaste Solar have a long-standing partnership in renewable energy initiatives. In 2010, Namaste Solar installed solar panels on the existing buildings directly south of the new Vaisala building and has since managed system operations and maintenance. The new solar PV project represents the next chapter in this successful collaboration, further strengthening Vaisala’s position as a regional sustainability leader.
In 2015, Vaisala joined RE100, the Climate Group’s global initiative encouraging the world’s most influential companies to commit to 100% renewable electricity. In 2020, Vaisala reached its target, covering its electricity consumption with 100% renewable sources. Renewable electricity reduced Vaisala’s energy consumption emissions by 97% between 2014 and 2020. Situated at 152 S. Taylor Avenue within the Colorado Technology Center, the new building also incorporates electric vehicle charging stations.
“Vaisala’s project serves as a compelling example of an organization that truly recognizes the multifaceted benefits of solar,” said Ruby Nahan, strategic accounts representative and co-owner at Namaste Solar. “By embracing solar power, Vaisala not only reduces its carbon footprint but also demonstrates its role as a beacon of sustainability within the community. And the addition of solar brings substantial financial advantages like minimized exposure to escalating utility rates and reduced electricity bills.”
With extensive experience in solar installations within the Colorado Technology Center, including projects at Eldorado Artesian Springs, Community Food Share, and BH 305 Arthur, more than 25 Namaste Solar professionals are actively involved in Vaisala project development, procurement, design, project and construction management, and installation.
In line with Vaisala’s commitment to sustainable practices, the company has developed the Automatic Weather Station AWS810 Solar Edition, which deliversend-to-end weather and solar irradiation measurements and insights to optimize any stage of the solar power plant life cycle. One of these stations will be co-located with the new solar panels on the building’s rooftop to measure the solar system’s performance while providing regional and historical weather forecasting data.
A tour of the installation is slated for spring 2024.
