PVH Corp. Flips Switch On Rooftop Solar Project

BRIDGEWATER, NJ-Apparel maker PVH Corp. has completed a 154-kilowatt rooftop solar installation at its administrative office at 1001 Frontier Road here. The system consists of 890 panels, which will produce more than 178,000-kilowatt hours of electricity annually.

"As a worldwide leader in its industry, PVH has yet again set a higher standard in the apparel business by incorporating an environmentally responsible practice into their business activities," said Jamie Hahn, managing director of Solis Partners, the developer that designed, engineered and built the installation, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Solis and PVH executives and local officials. "PVH's commitment to this solar power project is an important testament to their initiatives and strategies to protecting the environment and reducing their carbon footprint."

The system will cut more than 240,000 pounds of CO2 emissions annually, said Michael A. Shaffer, CEO and EVP for PVH. The rooftop solar system was integrated with a reflective white "cool" roof, further enhancing its effectiveness.

"This rooftop solar system is beneficial for both PVH and the State of New Jersey," said Shaffer. "It gives our business a competitive edge by allowing us to save on operational expenses, while also contributing to the improvement of the environment."

PVH’s February announcement of the array indicates it will be the first of many such installations. “We also see this project as providing the impetus for the installation of other solar projects -- both domestically and internationally -- in support of PVH's environmental commitment to the places where we live and do business,” said Doug Jankowski, group VP of office services.

The on-site solar electric generation will serve as a hedge against electricity rate increases and allow Phillips-Van Heusen to lower the energy portion of its operating budget, Hahn said. The system is expected to pay for itself in less than seven years.