Harold Levinson Associates Powers Half Its Operations With Affordable Solar Energy

Harold Levinson Associates is one of the largest full-line convenience store distributors in the United States, serving thousands of customers across the Northeast with a comprehensive range of products and services. Known for its commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction, the company continually seeks innovative ways to enhance efficiency and reduce its environmental impact.

The Challenge

Reduce Energy Costs While Supporting Sustainability

As a leading distributor serving thousands of convenience stores, Harold Levinson Associates operates large-scale warehouse and distribution facilities with significant energy demands. Rising electricity costs and the need for reliable energy sources presented ongoing challenges for the company’s bottom line. At the same time, Harold Levinson Associates recognized the importance of adopting more sustainable practices to meet evolving customer expectations and industry standards. The company needed a solution that would not only reduce operational expenses but also support its long-term commitment to efficiency and environmental responsibility.

PowerFlex’s Solution

Rooftop Solar That Leverages Money-Saving Incentives

INSTALLATION TYPE

Rooftop Solar

INSTALLATION SIZE

1.6 MW

LOCATION

Farmingdale, NY

ANNUAL ENERGY PRODUCTION

2 Million kWh

INCENTIVES

Clean Solar Initiative • Feed-In Tariff (FIT) Program • PSEG-LI Solar Entrepreneur Program - Expected Performance Based Buydown (EPBB)

PowerFlex partnered with Harold Levinson Associates to deliver a comprehensive rooftop solar solution comprised of three discrete systems mounted on the company’s 600,000-square-foot facility. Designed to maximize energy production and reliability, the installation totals 1.7 megawatts (MW) and feature 6,500 individual 240-watt modules, three central inverters, a ballasted non-penetrating racking system, and advanced string-level data monitoring with an integrated weather station. The system is expected to generate nearly 2 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, providing almost half of the facility’s total energy needs and delivering environmental benefits equivalent to removing 278 cars from the road or planting 308 trees each year.

Significant Financial Returns through Solar

To optimize financial returns, PowerFlex structured a hybrid financing solution that leverages two Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) solar incentive programs: the EPBB Program, which awards upfront rebates based on system efficiency, and the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) Program, which ensures predictable cash flow for 20 years. Combined with federal solar incentives and MACRS depreciation, this approach enables Harold Levinson Associates to achieve a rapid payback period and a strong long-term return on investment.