Overview

ECS Energy completed a roof mount installation at Advanced Biotech’s headquarters and manufacturing operation in Totowa, NJ. The 528.94 kW system uses a ballasted, non-penetrating racking solution that will protect the new roofing membrane that was installed prior to installing the solar. The roof mounted array is expected to offset about 25% of the facility’s current annual electrical usage. The first-year projected electric savings are $102,600 and $70,600 in projected incentive income while avoiding an estimated 1.08 million pounds of CO₂ annually. In addition, the project is projected to generate approximately $1.03 million in incentive income over 15 years, reinforcing Advanced Biotech’s commitment to responsible manufacturing, cost stability, and environmental leadership.

Advanced Biotech is a manufacturer of the highest quality of flavor and fragrance ingredients and is one of the leading suppliers of raw materials to the industry. Advanced Biotech’s approach to creating top quality products with the best flavor and fragrance ingredients is driven by their customers’ desire for exceptional ingredients. Advanced Biotech’s products are created to meet rigorous standards that ensure the highest consistency in both strength and quality in everything they produce.

Many of ABT’s customers are multinational corporations that have sustainability objectives to demonstrate their commitments to the environment and being stewards of the planet. ABT’s investment in solar is aligned closely with their Clients’ sustainability goals.

Objectives

Advanced Biotech’s primary objectives were to install solar to promote sustainability, offset a significant portion of its electric usage, and reduce their rising electric bills. At the same time, the company sought to upgrade its building infrastructure by installing a new roofing system with a full warranty. The project also prioritized incorporating U.S.-made components to maximize eligibility for the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and other incentives. By owning the system, Advanced Biotech positioned itself to fully leverage available Federal tax benefits and applicable state incentives.

Challenges

The rooftop presented engineering challenges due to its highly congested layout. Numerous rooftop units and an intricate network of piping created limited usable space and required precise design coordination to ensure both performance and code compliance without disrupting facility operations and allowing access to rooftop equipment.

Solution

To overcome these challenges, ECS Energy utilized drone imaging and detailed measurement data to accurately engineer the solar layout around existing rooftop obstructions. The project included the installation of a new roofing system complete with upgraded insulation and membrane, ensuring long-term structural integrity and warranty protection. A 528.94 kW ballasted solar system was installed using (998) 530-watt U.S.-made modules, inverters, and racking, optimizing both performance and incentive eligibility.

Benefits

As a result of the installation, Advanced Biotech now benefits from greater energy independence from reduced reliance on the utility and reduced electric bills. The facility also has a brand-new roofing system backed by a full warranty, adding long-term value to the property. Additionally, Advanced Biotech can confidently promote that its products are manufactured using clean, renewable “green” energy, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership.