[April 22, 2015]

Wilsonart Unveils Advanced Solar Energy System at Fletcher Facility

Wilsonart Engineering Services team, in tandem with Radiance (News - Alert) Solar, Solectra Renewables, Cantsink and Duke Energy Process, developed and installed a complete solar energy system unveiled today at Wilsonart's Fletcher, North Carolina facility. The system will cut carbon dioxide emissions by more than 900 tons per year, reduce mono-nitrogen oxide emissions by more than 11,000 lbs. per year and reduce sulfur oxide emissions by 2,564 lbs. per year.

Wilsonart Engineering Services team, in tandem with Radiance Solar, Solectra Renewables, Cantsink and Duke Energy (News - Alert) Process, developed and installed a complete solar energy system unveiled today at Wilsonart's Fletcher, North Carolina facility. (Photo: Business Wire)

Wilsonart, a leading manufacturer of decorative engineered surfaces for more than 50 years, today unveiled the new solar power energy system as part of the company's continuing commitment to sustainability, or "Full Circle" journey. The journey is guided by three enduring goals: to reach zero barriers to growth and engagement in communities; zero impact on the environment by developing and using environmentally responsible materials; and zero waste by eliminating unnecessary materials, processes and waste from the products Wilsonart makes and sells. Together, these principals contribute to the long-term environmental and economic sustainability of the region.

The addition of the 2,916 roof- and ground-mounted solar panels will generate approximately 1.25 million kilowatt hours of renewable energy - enough to provide electricity for more than 100 homes for a year - and offset electricity purchased for Wilsonart's manufacturing processes.

"As a mature, reliable technology, solar energy helps us meet three objectives: update our infrastructure to maintain our competitiveness in the global economy; protect the health and beauty of the environments where we do business; and save on our energy costs for the next 20 to 3 years," said Tim O'Brien, Wilsonart President and CEO. "The Fletcher solar project, as well as the recycling of all materials within the plant, speak to the effort our employees have made toward meeting our sustainability goals and ensuring we are supporting our environment on a local and regional level."

"It's programs like Duke Energy Progress' Net Metering Program and state incentives like the state of NC tax credit that help stimulate new markets and create opportunities for new technologies to become cost competitive with traditional fossil fuels like coal and natural gas," says James Marlow, Radiance Solar CEO. "Though the cost of solar has come down over 80 percent in the last five years, and has reached grid parity in some states, these incentives also help cushion the high upfront cost of solar often considered to be a barrier for solar to be a widely adopted energy source."

Wilsonart Solar Project Technical Details

• Addition of 2,916 Canadian Solar 305W modules
• Addition of 27 Solectria Renewables 28kW inverters
• Addition of a combination of roof- (GameChange solar racking) and ground-mounted (Brilliant (News - Alert) Rack by Cantsink) panels
• Reduction of 920 tons/year in carbon dioxide emissions
• Reduction of 11,000 lbs./year in mono-nitrogen oxide emissions
• Reduction of 2,564 lbs./year in sulfur oxide emissions

About Wilsonart's Sustainability Journey
For more than 50 years, being a responsible member of the global community has been woven into all aspects of Wilsonart's culture. As Wilsonart's manufacturing and distribution networks have expanded worldwide, our impact on the environment has become an increasingly important concern for everyone at Wilsonart. Sustainability efforts incorporate not only impact on the environment, but also long-term commitment to providing high quality products, reliable services, secure jobs, and strong community support. For more information about Wilsonart's Zero Waste, Zero Impact and Zero Barriers goal, please visit: Sustain.Wilsonart.com.

About Wilsonart
Wilsonart is one of the world's leading manufacturers and distributors of High Pressure Laminates, Quartz, Solid Surface and other engineered surfaces used in furniture, office and retail space, countertops, worktops and other applications. The company operates under the Wilsonart, Resopal, Polyrey, Durcon, Arborite and Ralph Wilson brands and has achieved success through a combination of outstanding service, high-quality products and a focus on continuously redefining decorative surfaces through improved performance and aesthetics. For more information, visit Wilsonart.com or connect with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20150422005030/en/

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