Kentwool Installs Solar Electric System

Greenville-based wool yarn spinner Kentwool has installed a solar electricity generation system at
its manufacturing facility in Pickens County, S.C. The 15.6-kilowatt system – designed and
installed by Greer, S.C.-based Sunstore Solar Energy Solutions – creates electricity from sunlight
using 72 photovoltaic panels mounted to track sunlight as it passes from east to west. According to
Kentwool, the phase-one installation generates enough power to offset all office and corporate
functions at its 100,000-square-foot headquarters, and is designed in a way that allows for future
expansion.

“Having such a bold corporate vision statement demands an innovative approach to everything
we do, including how we use resources to fuel our operations,” said Mark Kent, president and CEO,
Kentwool. “Integrating cutting-edge, environmentally friendly technologies such as solar power into
how we conduct business is an exciting step for Kentwool. We didn’t want to just talk about caring
about the environment; we wanted to begin doing our part in a high-impact way – and felt this was a
great time to continue investing in our company’s future, while increasing our overall efficiency
level.”

Kentwool’s sustainability initiatives also include recycling raw and unused production waste
materials into products such as industrial fabrics and blankets; and research collaborations with
Clemson University scientists on eco-friendly manufacturing processes.



March/April 2009

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