Greg and Cathy Hudson are being environmentally responsible.
As the owners of Hudson & Mowins, a domestic and foreign auto repair shop in Baldwinsville, the two recently completed installation of solar panels on their building’s roof enabling them to harvest their own electricity from the sun.
“Green is good,” Cathy said, adding they decided to install the solar panels because there were state and federal incentives to go green, which partially covered the expenses of purchasing and installing the solar panels. “It was the way to go.”
Over a 30-year period, the statistics are overwhelming. According to Cathy, an estimated 1,382,000 kWh of electricity will be produced eliminating the need to burn more than 1,123,730 pounds of coal, which results in more than 1,094 tons of C02 being saved from entering the atmosphere. “And, an unbelievable 27,380 trees would have to be planted to offset as much pollution that will be saved,” Cathy said. “This decision was a no-brainer.”
Reinforcement of interior steel beams on the shop’s ceiling was completed this summer followed by panel installation. The entire project was completed Sept. 15. “It’s a relief to finally have the panels up,” Cathy said.
Inside the shop, a monitor visualizes how much energy is being developed at that moment, how much CO2 has been prevented from entering the atmosphere due to the solar panels and how many miles a car could travel from the solar energy produced (in theory) among other features.
“Everybody is so interested in learning about [the panels],” Cathy said, adding that customers as well as interested community members have stopped into the shop to learn more. In fact, a teacher at Ray Middle School stopped in for information about the system to add to his curriculum, she said.
“We’re doing the responsible thing,” Cathy said, adding that all are welcome to see what the panels are doing for the environment by visiting the shop.
Hudson & Mowins, located at 62 East Genesee St. in Baldwinsville, is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The AAA approved shop and NAPA AutoCare Center offers complete maintenance and repair services (including brakes, suspension, electrical, air conditioning, tires, exhaust and more) and provides inspections, tune-ups and fuel injection cleaning services with computerized, up to date testing equipment and machinery. To schedule an appointment, call 635-5681.
