Solar Array Helps AERON Reduce Carbon Emissions Footprint

Mason City, Iowa?– Over two years ago, 576 solar panels were installed and activated at AERON's manufacturing, assembly, and filling facility in Mason City, Iowa. According to mid-March measurements, the system is performing six percent better than expected, as reported by Ideal Energy of Fairfield, the designers and installers of the system.

The fixed-tilt ground-mounted photovoltaic panel system is projected to save 5,290 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over its lifespan. Over 798 days, the system generated 705.48 kWh of energy, saving the company over $70,540 in energy costs and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 703.36 tons. This reduction is equivalent to the emissions of 703 gas-powered vehicles each driving 2,500 miles, or one vehicle driving 1,758,400 miles.

In 2022, AERON also implemented other energy-saving initiatives. A significant portion of the plant was retrofitted with LED lighting, replacing incandescent bulbs. Incandescent lights work by heating a wire filament to produce light and heat, whereas LEDs (light-emitting diodes) do not have filaments and emit light directionally. Although the initial installation and maintenance costs for LEDs are higher, they are offset by their longevity, as they can last up to 50,000 to 100,000 hours.

Trees also play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions by absorbing carbon dioxide. During the planning of the solar array, AAM Associate VP and Plant Manager Julie Rohrer ensured the preservation of as many trees as possible. An arborist was consulted, and most of the trees that could have affected the planned layout were preserved. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, a mature tree can absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon dioxide and release an equal amount of oxygen annually.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the energy-saving projects in July 2022, attended by local, state, and U.S. representatives, AERON Co-Founder and CFO Monica Hadley said an energy-saving installation was top of mind when the company examined plant expansion options. "We needed to improve our energy infrastructure and saw this as a perfect opportunity to increase our return on investment by lowering future energy costs while significantly reducing our carbon footprint," she said.

Unlike hydropower and nuclear energy, which rely heavily on water for cooling and power production, solar energy offers a drought-resistant method of conservation, as it does not deplete local and regional water supplies.

A lot of companies talk about reducing carbon emissions, but AERON is doing it. AERON not only initiated a plan to lower its carbon emissions but followed through with actual projects to make it happen.

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