Buckman’s Ski and Snowboard Shops announced the construction of a 620 kilowatt solar energy system at their corporate headquarters in Pottstown, PA. Made up of nearly 3,000 roof-mounted solar panels, this system will convert sunlight into electricity and supply power to Buckman’s warehouse and production facilities. The project is being developed by one of Pennsylvania’s leading electrical construction and renewable energy firms, Metro-Tek Electrical Services.

The solar energy system will produce 700,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a year enabling Buckman’s to offset 850,000 pounds of carbon dioxide yearly which is equivalent to conserving over 40,000 gallons of gasoline annually. When completed, Buckman’s solar energy system will be one of the largest in Pennsylvania.

“Buckman’s is committed to environmental responsibility and we are thrilled that we have an opportunity to contribute to the sustainable energy future of all Pennsylvanians,” said Jeff Buckman, president of Buckman’s Ski and Snowboard Shops. “The economic and environmental benefits of our solar energy system clearly demonstrate the tremendous effect of Pennsylvania’s green energy legislation.”

By installing a renewable energy system, Buckman’s – which also has five ski and snowboard shops in the Philadelphia area – said it is contributing to the sustainable energy future of all Pennsylvanians. This system not only reduces strain on the power grid, but reduces the need for additional power generation by traditional utility companies, thereby lowering everyone’s electrical costs.

The environmental benefits are equally impressive. When completed, Buckman’s solar energy system will offset 850,000 pounds of carbon dioxide that would have been emitted as a result of traditional electrical generation. The system also reduces 6,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide, a chemical that – when produced by power plants – escapes into the atmosphere and mixes with water vapors. This forms sulfuric acid and falls to the ground as acid rain. Nearly 1,300 pounds of nitrogen oxides are eliminated as well, a pollutant that intensifies respiratory ailments such as asthma. For perspective, installing this solar energy system is equivalent to the environmental benefits of planting 2,600 trees each year or driving a million fewer miles.

Once the solar project is complete, Buckman’s also plans to install a wind turbine at its corporate offices and solar-powered heating systems at each of its ski and snowboard shops.

Buckman's Ski and Snowboard Shops, founded in 1971, has retail locations in Ardmore, King of Prussia, Doylestown, Montgomeryville, and Reading, PA. It is family-owned and operated. Its state-of-the-art workshop is the finest on the east coast, covering 3200 sq. ft with over $450,000 worth of tuning equipment.