McKenney’s installed a solar photovoltaic (PV) system aimed at taking advantage of significant Georgia state tax credits for renewable energy properties.

2. In 2010, McKenney’s had a newly
renovated Atlanta headquarters
with only one facet of the project
remaining—installing a 53.04 kW
DC-rated solar photovoltaic (PV)
system aimed at taking advantage
of significant Georgia state tax
credits for renewable energy
properties.

3. However, there was only a limited amount of
state tax credit funds available, forcing
McKenney’s to ramp up quickly to ensure it
would qualify and collect the tax credits.
As a result, McKenney’s took
action, promptly installed its 221 solar panel
system,
and encountered only minor challenges
along the way.

4. To avoid compromising the integrity of
its new roof, McKenney’s worked with
First Century Energy to determine the
best way to harvest solar energy without
impacting the facility.
A ballasted installation system allowing
panels to sit on top of the roof with no
mechanical attachments and minimal
roof penetrations was selected.
McKenney’s in-house electrical expert guided efforts with the
electrical designer to tie the solar PV system into the building’s
existing distribution systems.

5. In the end, the installation was expedited and McKenney’s qualified
for the 35 percent Georgia tax credit as well as a 30 percent federal
grant reimbursement for the system’s installed cost.
Now operational for three years, the solar system has generated more
than 227,000 kW hours of electricity to date—12 percent more than
originally anticipated.
McKenney’s expects to recover its entire
investment costs for the system in approximately
five years.

6. The system also generates an average of 14 percent
of the electrical capacity for the building, which has
enabled McKenney’s to capture all three LEED®
credits for onsite renewable energy as part of its
LEED New Construction Gold certification.
The renewable energy generated to date is
equivalent in impact to the carbon sequestration
capacity of 131 acres of forest, planting over 4,000
tree seedlings in a ten-year period, powering 24
homes for a full year or removing 33 cars and their
emissions from roadways.

7. Overall, the project demonstrates McKenney’s commitment to
sustainability, a strong technical savvy in building systems, an in-depth
understanding of energy-driven projects and insight into the
long-term benefits of reduced operating expenses.
McKenney’s applies this same
commitment to implementing
complete energy saving solutions for
its customers.

8. Project Team
Owner: McKenney’s, Inc.
General Contractor: First Century Energy
Engineer: Conway & Owen(electrical design)
The Challenge
Cap on tax credit funds
Quick solar PV installation
Maintain roof integrity
The Solution
Expedited installation
Collaborated with general contractor
Enlisted ballasted installation system
The Results
Earned 35 percent Georgia tax credit
Received 30 percent federal grant reimbursement
Exceeded electricity generation expectations
Captured three LEED® New Construction credits

9. Atlanta Office: 1056 Moreland Industrial Boulevard
Atlanta, Georgia 30316
P: 404-622-5000
Charlotte Office: 3601 Performance Road
Charlotte, North Carolina 28214
P: 704-357-1200
sales@mckenneys.com
www.mckenneys.com