American Apparel, Patagonia Go Solar
Environmentally conscious apparel companies Patagonia, based in Ventura, Calif., and American Apparel, based in Los Angeles, have recently installed solar-energy systems within their operations to reduce their reliance upon electricity.
Patagonia installed a 66 kW Sharp Solar PV carport and American Apparel has begun installing a 146 kW solar electric system on the roof of its 800,000-square-foot downtown Los Angeles factory. The system is expected to cut the company’s electric bill by at least 20 percent this year.
Los Angeles–based Permacity Solar installed both systems. The apparel companies join other apparel firms such as Etnies and Timberland, which are also using solar energy to power operations in California.
“We are continuously expanding on environmental initiatives and applying advancements in materials and processes that have a positive impact on our community, leading the way to a cleaner L.A.,” said Roian Atwood, American Apparel’s director of environmental programs.
American Apparel is one of the first companies in the United States to take advantage of the new 30 percent tax credit for the installation of solar-energy on buildings. The credit went into effect Jan. 1. The company also will benefit from a ratepayer–funded, state-mandated rebate from the Southern California Gas Co.
Permacity executives said solar energy reduces dependence on fossil fuels and gas emissions, thus reducing harmful effects on the environment. —Robert McAllister
