Achieving Net-Zero: Solatube’s Commitment to Planet Passionate

As a subsidiary of Kingspan Light + Air, Solatube International is deeply committed to Kingspan Group’s Planet Passionate initiative—a company-wide sustainability program designed to address three critical global challenges: climate change, circularity and the protection of our natural world. Through Planet Passionate, Kingspan is taking significant steps to reduce absolute manufacturing carbon (CO₂e) emissions, aiming for near-zero where technically feasible, while also working to reduce the carbon intensity of its primary supply chain.

A key milestone in the sustainability journey is the recent installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems at Solatube International’s Oak Ridge headquarters and Cousteau Court manufacturing facility. This investment highlights our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing energy efficiency by harnessing Southern California’s abundant sunshine to power our operations and daylight our facilities.

Optimizing Roof Space for Maximum Energy Efficiency

Solatube International employs 224 Solatube Tubular Daylighting Devices (TDDs) at its Oak Ridge facility and 111 at its Cousteau Court facility, displacing the need for electric lighting across 94% of the campus’ interior floor space during the day. Electric lighting is used for only 3% of the occupied year in these daylit spaces. Additionally, by using TDDs rather than traditional skylights, more roof space can be allocated to PV panels, significantly increasing energy production. Unlike conventional skylights that require extensive surface area, Solatube TDDs efficiently capture and deliver natural daylight through compact rooftop domes and highly reflective tubing. This design allows buildings to benefit from enhanced natural daylighting while reserving more space for solar panels.

By freeing up roof space, TDDs allow for the installation of larger PV systems, maximizing kilowatt-hour (kWh) savings. This strategic use of rooftop real estate enhances sustainability efforts while driving long-term energy cost reductions—setting an example for businesses and institutions looking to improve their sustainability footprint.

System Specifications

At the Oak Ridge facility, the PV system has a total power output capacity of 332.17 kW direct current (DC), representing the maximum energy it can generate under optimal conditions. It consists of 563 panels, each with a power output of 590 watts (W), efficiently converting sunlight into electricity. Over the course of a year, this system is expected to generate 546.9 megawatt-hours (MWh), equivalent to 546,900 kWh of electricity, significantly reducing energy costs and reliance on traditional power sources.

Meanwhile, Cousteau Court Headquarters boasts an even higher capacity, with a total output of 489.11 kW DC, allowing for greater energy generation. This system includes 829 panels, each rated at 590W, ensuring maximum solar energy capture. The expected annual energy production reaches 776.1 MWh, translating to 776,100 kWh of electricity.

Real Energy Impact

Both the Oak Ridge and Cousteau Court facilities are now net-zero buildings, and with a combined annual energy production of 1,323 MWh (1,323,000 kWh), Solatube International’s PV installation stands as the highest energy-generating system in the entire Kingspan Light, Air + Water division. This clean energy output is enough to power approximately 123 U.S. homes for a year, based on the average household consumption of 10,791 kWh annually. Additionally, the energy generated could fully charge 189,000 smartphones each year, considering that a typical smartphone requires 7 kWh per year to stay powered. The Oak Ridge and Cousteau Court facilities demonstrate the power of renewable energy in reducing reliance on traditional power sources while advancing sustainability efforts.

Driving Sustainability Forward

Solatube International’s investment in solar energy aligns with our mission to create energy-efficient, sustainable solutions for the built environment. By integrating advanced daylighting technology with renewable energy systems, we are not only reducing our operational carbon footprint but also helping set the standard on what is possible for other businesses.

As we continue our Planet Passionate journey, we remain committed to innovation, efficiency and environmental responsibility—paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.

Learn more about Planet Passionate here.