Kings Mountain, N.C.-based Patrick Yarn Mills, a manufacturer of eco-friendly high-performance industrial yarns, has installed a new solar power system — which it reports is one of the largest privately owned solar power systems in the North Carolina Piedmont region. Manufactured by Argand Energy Solutions, the system produces 140,000 kilowatt hours of photovoltaic energy each year, saving the equivalent of 11,310 gallons of gasoline or 234 barrels of oil — enough to power 14 average-sized houses. A grant from the North Carolina State Energy Office made the installation possible, and all of the system's major components qualified for funding under the "Buy American" provision of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

"We're excited to be generating our own electricity from the sun," said Gilbert Patrick, president, Patrick Yarns. "We've been committed to sustainability for years, and this is another step toward helping create a better planet for future generations and a better environment for our community. It also provides customers with environmentally sound, Spun by the Sun™ solutions to their textile requirements."

The company prides itself on being an eco-friendly business and uses highly efficient lighting and motors, produces no greenhouse gases and is working toward a goal of zero landfill waste. Patrick Yarns also manufactures a line of eco-friendly textile yarns under the Earthspun® brand.