From Rocks to the Sun: Local Geotechnical Firm Embraces Solar Technology
18 May 2007

LAKELAND - ASC geosciences, inc., a Lakeland based engineering firm, specializes in soils, but a state-funded program has them embracing the sun. "We have researched renewable energy options for a few years now and decided it was time to convert a portion of our power consumption to solar” said Anu Saxena, P.E., President of the firm.

ASC’s headquarters, located on Lake Wire in downtown Lakeland, will have the area's largest solar power system when it is installed in August 2007. The 25.2 kW solar grid will utilize 144 photovoltaic cells mounted on the building’s roof to deliver power and provide a portion of the overall power needs for the facility. Says Saxena, “with uncertainties surrounding future pricing for power generation and delivery, diversifying to solar power lets us hedge one-third of our utility costs, especially during peak periods”.

Already well known in the Lakeland area for his role in the downtown area's revitalization through the renovation of the former police headquarters, Saxena is convinced commercial applications for solar power systems are on the rise. Saxena comments “with the state incentives in place, we will be hearing a lot more about commercial solar conversions at large as well as small businesses in our area. It is my hope the local and regional governments can further incentivize businesses to convert to renewable energy by planning and creating ‘green zones’ and ‘brightfields’, as other smart communities have already done. For all the right reasons, the time for green is now”.

About ASC – ASC geosciences, inc. was established in 1984 in Lakeland, Florida.  Today the firm provides multi-disciplinary engineering consulting services through its domestic offices in the southeastern United States and international offices in India.

*     *     *     *     *