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COMMERCIAL CASE STUDY
OHIO DESK
WAREHOUSE
KEY NUMBERS
Solar Array Size
Annual Production
73 kW system
84,000 kWh
Ohio Desk has been a cornerstone of the Cleveland business community for over a century. Founded in 1915, the company provides office furnishings and integrated interior solutions, from desks and chairs to flooring, wall systems, and technology products. Known for adapting to evolving business needs, Ohio Desk operates multiple showrooms and a distribution and service center in the region.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
In 2017, Better Together Solar partnered with Ohio Desk to design and install a solar energy system at their Van Epps Distribution and Service Center. The facility’s expansive flat roof made it an ideal candidate for solar, with no shading from nearby structures or vegetation. Our team installed 280 high-efficiency solar panels, creating a 73 kW system capable of supplying the majority of the facility’s electricity needs.
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The installation process was carefully planned to minimize disruption. Utilizing a ballast racking system, the panels were secured without penetrating the roof, adding minimal weight while ensuring long-term stability. Our team handled all aspects of the project, including permitting, grid connections, and system commissioning. The installation was completed efficiently, allowing Ohio Desk to quickly begin benefiting from clean, renewable energy.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The 73 kW solar array significantly reduced Ohio Desk’s dependence on non-renewable energy. The system is expected to offset approximately 80% of the facility’s electricity usage, preventing a substantial amount of COâ‚‚ emissions annually. Over its estimated 25–30 year lifespan, the system will provide decades of low-cost, environmentally responsible energy, demonstrating a successful integration of sustainability and smart business practices.
OUTCOME
The Ohio Desk solar project highlights the potential for businesses to lower operational costs while reducing their environmental footprint.
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By investing in solar energy, Ohio Desk has become more resilient to rising energy costs and has set an example of how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.
At Better Together Solar, we are proud to have played a role in helping a historic Cleveland business embrace renewable energy and long-term energy independence.