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HOME, LAWN & ENERGY Tuesday, October 4, 2011 The Independent & Free Press Special pullout section 4 Pages An overhead view shows the newly installed solar panels on the BRC Business Enterprises 35,000 square-foot manufacturing facility on Armstrong Ave. in Georgetown. The panels are expected to generate enough electricity to power 30 homes for a year. Photo by David Mead Local firms helping to lead the way in solar power technology By EAMONN MAHER Staff Writer Things are literally looking up for solar energy production in Ontario and Georgetown is at the industry's forefront with a a unique project. Entrepreneur Bill Melnik, who owns the BRC Sustainable Elements ergonomic furniture manufacturing company on Armstrong Ave., jumped into the solar energy business 18 months ago and is enthusiastic about its potential both as a growth industry and an environmentally friendly source of electrical power. Over the past couple of months, the BRC location and the ISPA Woodworking plant-- also on Armstrong Ave.-- have had commercial solar generators installed 10 feet above the roof on massive steel grids that are integrated into the buildings. The 308-kilowatt, 35,000-squarefoot BRC facility produces enough power for 30 homes per year and has a lifespan of some 30 to 50 years. See GIANT, pg. 3 Solarform president Bill Melnik (left) raises a toast and prepares to cut the ribbon along with Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette to officially mark the startup of a solar energy generator atop one of his other businesses, BRC Sustainable Elements. Two businesses on Armstrong Ave. now have these solar "systems" on their rooftops and another has signed on to have one installed soon. Photo by Eamonn Maher The BG 55 is perfect for making short work of your yard work this fall. Its primer bulb and throttle lock ensure fast starts. Leaves and debris in the eavestroughs are easily handled with the optional vacuum and gutter kits. *Pricing is in effect until November 30, 2011 STIHL's first backpack blower designed for the homeowner For more specials visit: www.stihl.ca Junction Hwy. 124 & Trafalgar Rd. N., ERIN, ON 519·833·9616 stewarts@stewartsequipment.com www.stewartsequip.com