Solar Installation Completes Phase I of Green Renovation Project in Middletown

MIDDLETOWN — Phase I of the renovation project of the old Ingall’s Lumber Yard is now complete. The owners, Current Components, can arguably lay claim to having one of the greenest office and warehouse in Frederick County. In a story published in the FNP (7/9/10) the initial plan was to prepare a 6,000 square foot warehouse for solar panels. Now, instead of just a plan, the warehouse is a fully-functioning electricity producer.

Lancaster Craftsmen Builders in Middletown is the general contractor on the renovation project. Solar Gaines, a Maryland company out of Cockeysville, installed the 230 solar panels. Since early March, Current Components has already generated 10 MWh, or 10,000 kilowatts of electricity. The annual projection for generated electricity is over 64,000 kilowatts. The average residential home consumes about 2,000 kilowatts a month.

Green improvements did not just happen on the roof, although it is the most visible reminder. The warehouse building was reconstructed to be highly efficient with R-49 ceilings and R-29 walls by using spray foam structural insulative sheathing. The windows are Energy Star ® rated with argon filled Low E glass. The office portion of the renovation recently passed the Energy Star ® air infiltration standards for residential construction.

An old storage building next to the office was removed and trees were planted in its place. The growing trees will provide shade from the western sun, further reducing future cooling costs. Rain barrels which collect water from the office building will provide irrigation for the trees and other landscaping plants.

The Miller's, owner of Current Components, are excited about starting the next phase of improvements (not yet finalized) to the storefront on Main Street. Recently Ann Miller and Lancaster attended a 2-day Green Roof seminar in Washington to learn more about possible improvements to the old hardware store.

The Miller's are environmentally sensitive and want to be proactive in creating a sustainable energy source for the entirety of the 2-acre site yet still blend in with the existing residential architecture.