Solar Panels One Step Toward Green Future For Hauppauge Business

Flexible Business Systems had a solar energy system installed on its roof to convert savings in fossil fuel into money. 

The Hauppauge-based Flexible Business Systems had a 32-kilowatt solar energy system made of 139 solar panels installed at its Corporate Drive offices by Mercury Solar Systems. It is one of five. 

"If you take a look outside, you might say, 'It's a sunny day.' But, I look outside and say, 'Oh, it's a $100 day," said Joseph Saggio, vice president of operations for Flexible Business Systems.

The total project could have cost the computer repair and networking company approximately $191,000. After receiving federal tax grants and LIPA rebates, Flexible Business Systems only paid $52,000 out-of-pocket for the solar energy system.

Due to these rebates, Saggio said the solar panels should produce enough energy to pay for themselves in 3 to 5 years.

There are several businesses in the Hauppauge industrial park who could reap similar benefits from a solar energy system, according to Ben Waller, head of Long Island Sales for Mercury Solar System.

"In the Hauppauge industrial park, you have a lot of large, flat rooftops, most of which don't have many obstructions on them," Waller said in early April. 

Saggio said the solar energy is one of several actions his company has taken to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. The company switched four of its corporate vehicles over to Toyota Prius Hybrids to cut back on the cost of gasoline.

"Its a lot less expensive than paying for a person to use their own car," Saggio said.

Flexible Business Systems is also looking into installing a geothermal system underneath its employee parking lot when it is repaved, the vice president said, to save money on air conditioning for its data centers.

The company has had a longstanding program of recycling its customers old computer equipment, either refurbishing it to give to nonprofits or selling the metal components for scraps.

Saggio had advice for other business owners who are considering investing in sources of alternative energy. 

"Take a look at the return on investment and make sure you have a design in place. Make sure the design is fitted to your building and what your return is," he said.