Thysse Printing
LOCATION: Oregon, Wisconsin | CAPACITY: 339 kW | COMPLETED: Nov 2020
SOLAR CONTRACTOR:
Thysse Printing, a 3rd generation and family owned Oregon business, is best known for generating innovative print and design brand solutions and serving the local community. The company completed a move to a new campus in the Oregon Business Park in July 2020, increasing services and capacity to better serve clients and prepare for the future. That future also includes an eye towards sustainability and renewable energy. Read more about their commitment to sustainability.
The Challenge
Thysse began working with Legacy Solar Cooperative last year to find a way to replace as much as half of their conventional electricity with clean power, but also do so affordably. In the initial stages of the project, LSC helped estimate system costs and identified possible grants to make the project feasible.
“Thysse is always looking for ways to innovate in our business. We’re already using the most energy-efficient printing technology, so it was natural to look to more sustainable measures for the new building as well,” said Jason Thysse, company president.
Solar Solution
After being awarded a USDA Renewable Energy for America Program grant, they reviewed multiple quotes and ultimately partnered with co-op member Arch Solar C&I, based in Plymouth, WI to install a 339kW rooftop solar array. Thysse’s rooftop houses a solar array of 850 bi-facial, photo-voltaic (PV) panels. Bi-facial panels generate power both directly from the sun and indirectly from reflected light. With this refinement, panels produce 10-20 percent more power and shed snow faster in the winter.
Outcome
The system produces more than 400,000 kW hours annually, which is about 50% of Thysse’s electricity, and sequesters more than half a million pounds of CO2 every year, the equivalent of planting over 6,500 trees.
“Cutting emissions as well as our monthly operating costs were big drivers for us,” said Jason Thysse, company president, “We’re proud to not only make our own clean power, but use the most energy-efficient printing technology in the business.”
Slice of Sun Solar Bonds
Legacy Solar Co-op sells Slice-of-Sun Solar Bonds to any member who would like to support a Solar Legacy project like this one, and earn up to interest on their bonds purchased through the co-op. Ready to get involved?
