Thule to Install 318-Kilowatt Solar System on Roof of Seymour, CT US Headquarters

Thule to Install 318-Kilowatt Solar System on Roof of Seymour, CT US
Headquarters
Company Expands Green Initiative with Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Integration by
American Capital Energy

SEYMOUR, Conn., April 8, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Thule, Inc., the world
leader in the manufacturing of transportation accessories including vehicle
roof rack systems, innovative RV solutions and truck racks and boxes for
professional contractors, today announced that a 318-kilowatt (kW) DC solar
photovoltaic (PV) system will be installed by North Chelmsford,
Massachusetts-based American Capital Energy on the roof of Thule's Seymour,
Connecticut US headquarters.
"We are experts in maximizing a vehicle's roof space and we are pleased to
be able to use our building's roof space to reduce and stabilize our energy
cost," said Fred Clark, President of Thule, Inc. "This installation represents
yet another step Thule is taking to minimize our energy footprint. We have
made substantial improvements in lighting, maintenance and operations over the
past few years to achieve significant energy savings. We encourage our
employees to ride bikes to work and provide facilities for those who do so --
leading to Thule being recognized as an industry leader in going green by
Bicycle Retailer and Industry News. In deciding to move forward with going
solar at our facility we chose American Capital Energy as our integrator
because of their extensive and proven experience in large commercial solar
projects," concluded Mr. Clark.
The Thule solar PV system will consist of two separate arrays with a total
of 1,876 solar panels. The PV system will supply an estimated 324,800 kWh
annually, or about 26% of the facility's total electrical needs. Thule will be
hosting the system under a power purchase agreement (PPA), where Nautilus
Solar Energy, LLC, a developer of distributed generation and utility scale
solar power projects, will own the solar system and Thule will purchase energy
produced at a fixed price below current utility rate. This allows Thule to
stabilize its energy costs and Nautilus to receive federal tax incentives,
rebates and renewable energy credits associated with the project. The
Connecticut Clean Energy Fund's (CCEF) On-site Renewable Distributed Energy
(DG) Program is providing a $1.3 million grant to subsidize the system.
"Thule will enjoy two distinct advantages by using the power purchase
agreement model to go solar -- controlled energy cost and minimal capital
investment," stated Tom Hunton, President of American Capital Energy, the
company designing and installing the Thule system. "We look forward to working
with Thule, Nautilus Solar Energy and the CCEF to provide Thule with a system
that will generate low cost electricity for a minimum of 25 years."
Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell commented, "Once the Thule solar PV
system is installed, Connecticut as a whole will benefit from reduced demand
on the grid and greenhouse gas reduction. I am delighted that many of our
resident businesses have been eager to embrace clean, renewable forms of
energy generation. They are to be congratulated for their environmental
stewardship and resolve to make a difference."
James Rice, CEO of Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC, applauds both Thule and the
CCEF for their commitment. "Nautilus Solar is very excited to provide
renewable energy to Thule for many years to come. Their leadership will reduce
dependence on fossil fuel, demand on the distribution system and greenhouse
gas emissions."
About Thule Inc.
Thule Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary within the Thule Group. It is the
leading US manufacturer of transportation accessories with production sites in
Seymour, CT, Chicago, IL, Perry, FL, Thomasville, GA and Blackwell, TX.
Thule's extensive product line features multi-purpose roof racks, roof top
boxes, rear mount racks, truck boxes, side steps and accessories for
transporting and organizing outdoor equipment (Thule), professional contractor
equipment (Thule Professional and UWS) and recreational vehicles (Thule SMART
RV). For more information visit www.thuleracks.com.
About American Capital Energy
American Capital Energy provides full-service solar energy project
integration and installation for large commercial enterprises. The company is
committed to furthering the utilization of solar energy by America's most
forward thinking companies by offering customized turnkey solar systems
designed for long term performance and verifiable return on investment. For
more information, visit www.americancapitalenergy.com.
About the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF)
CCEF was created by the Connecticut General Assembly and is funded by the
electric ratepayers. CCEF's mission is to promote, develop and invest in
clean energy sources for the benefit of Connecticut's ratepayers in order to
strengthen Connecticut's economy, protect community health, improve the
environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state. CCEF is
administered by Connecticut Innovations, a quasi-public authority. For more
information on CCEF, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.
About Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC
Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC is a leading electric power company that
develops, constructs, finances, owns and operates distributed generation and
utility-scale solar electric systems. Under long-term power purchase
agreements, Nautilus Solar provides commercial, government, non-profit and
utility customers low-cost renewable energy. The company has projects in
operation, construction and development in the Northeast, Southwest and
Western US. For more information on NSE, please visit
http://www.nautilussolar.com.
SOURCE Thule, Inc.

Karl Wiedemann of Thule, Inc., +1-203-881-4833, karl.wiedemann@thule.com; or
Rich Schineller, +1-941-822-0502, rich@prmgt.com, for American Capital Energy