SALEM, NJ—­­– Mannington Mills, Inc. soon will be using emission-free solar generated electricity to help power its operations, with the installation of an extensive rooftop solar panel system at the flooring manufacturer’s Salem, NJ, headquarters.

Known as a solar photovoltaic system, a grouping of 2,870 panels will convert the sun’s energy directly into electricity. That electricity will then be routed through Mannington’s power connections within the Mannington campus.

“Using solar electricity to help power our facility goes straight to the heart of our environmental commitment: To be more efficient in our business practices while reducing our impact,” said Dave Kitts, Mannington’s vice president - environment. “We are fortunate to have a campus with large warehouse facilities that can serve as an ideal host for this kind of environmentally responsible system.”

In a power purchase agreement with CarbonFree Technology, the Toronto-based company that owns and operates the system, Mannington will directly use the expected 650,000 kilowatts of solar electricity that’s generated annually by the panels. According to Kitts, it’s enough energy to annually power the 250,000-square foot warehouse distribution center where the rooftop system will be located, as well as a nearby 5,400-square foot cafeteria building, all of which represents about one-quarter of Mannington’s Salem facilities. The solar panels are currently being installed over 75,000 square feet of rooftop space, with completion slated for mid-December. 

For more information visit www.mannington.com.