With Solar Power, Nanak's Landscaping's Electrical Meter Spins Backwards, and Their Vehicle Fleet Gets 50 Miles per Gallon ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- In one week Nanak's Landscaping has avoided emitting 1,734 lbs. in greenhouse gases (CO2) into the atmosphere. This is equivalent to the energy required for powering 28 homes for one day, or the energy needed to operate a television for 5,442 hours (227 days). With renewable energy a hot button, one Florida landscape firm was savvy enough to quickly apply for the state's Alternative Energies Technologies Grant Program. "The program helped by making suggestions on the quality of materials required and provided a solid profile of what would best suit the grant qualifications," said Sampuran Khalsa, president of Nanak's Landscaping. His company's plan was approved and has taken the first step toward a renewable future in Florida. As part of the 2006 Florida Energy Act, the grant program, according to the Florida Energy Office, is designed to "stimulate capital investment in the state and promote and enhance the statewide utilization of renewable energy technologies." "We are actually making more energy than we need and selling the excess power back to the grid," said Mike Swaggerty, Orlando branch manager for Nanak's. "Our electric meter is actually spinning backwards!" he continued. Installing a 20.1 kW Solar PV System at their Orlando facility and corporate headquarters, Nanak's has been operating on solar power since January 19 of this year. In the week following, Nanak's has avoided emitting 1,734 lbs. in greenhouse gases (CO2) into the atmosphere. This is equivalent to the energy required for powering 28 homes for one day, or the energy needed to operate a television for 5,442 hours (227 days). "Nanak's is setting a leading example of the progress that is possible when business and government work together to solve our country's energy challenges," said Khalsa. "We are helping to improve the environment here in Florida while helping to promote the clean energy technology that is so important to our nation's future," he continued. Nanak's Landscaping's commitment to the environment and energy efficiency goes far beyond solar power. With fuel prices reaching all-time highs, Nanak's has also invested in a fleet of Prius Hybrids for regional and operational managers. Achieving 50 miles per gallon, the fleet is slashing fuel costs and serves as a traveling reminder to employees and clients that the company's ownership is working to contribute to energy efficiency.
