Energy-Saving "Sunflowers" Provide 300 kWh of Energy per Month -
            Enough to Power 40 Laptop Computers, Eight Hours a Day

    MUSCATINE, Iowa, Sept. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- From Van Gogh to your neighbor
next door, everyone seems to have a special affinity toward sunflowers.  The
giant flowers, which resemble the sun itself, adorn public and private gardens
across the U.S.
    But in Muscatine, Iowa, the members of Allsteel Incorporated, a leading
designer and manufacturer of office furniture, have become accustomed to a
sunflower all their own.  While not yellow in color, Allsteel's sunflowers are
something to be seen.  Measuring more than 20 feet high and encompassing 150
square feet of Allsteel's garden, these "solar sunflowers" generate one
percent of the energy required to power the needs of Allsteel's 200 members in
the company's headquarters building.  This equates to enough energy to power
40 laptop computers, eight hours a day; or the amount of energy needed to run
half of the electricity needed for the average home for a month.

    Planting the Seed
    The idea for the Solar Sunflowers "germinated" from a meeting held with
Allsteel's Environmental Manager, Scott Lesnet; and John Root, Energy Services
Advisor for Muscatine Power and Water.
    According to Lesnet, "At Allsteel, sustainability is not just about
Allsteel products.  It's the result of good people making responsible choices
for the right reasons.  For the last 20 years, we've been integrating
environmental management into our manufacturing processes; and we wanted to
extend that commitment to other areas of our business.  It was only natural to
look at the energy efficiency of our headquarters building."
    Lesnet met with Root to begin brainstorming energy-saving concepts.  The
two reviewed a number of ideas and confirmed the most efficient solution
moving forward was with an array of solar panels.
    "Reducing energy is one thing, but using alternative forms of renewable
energy is a separate concept," added Lesnet.  "One of our environmental
initiatives at Allsteel is promoting alternative forms of energy, and the
solar panels affirm our commitment."
    The Solar Sunflowers were installed on Allsteel's property in October,
2004 at a cost of $27,000.  The solar array will offer 18 years of energy
production and provide an average of 300 kWh of energy when the company needs
the energy most.
    "One of the most unique aspects of the solar array is that, unlike wind
generation or other alternative forms of energy, it provides energy at peak
times and corresponds to utility needs," said Root.  "For example, the solar
array generates the greatest amount of energy during the summer months - when
air conditioners, fans and other power-guzzling mechanisms are used most
often.  This is ideal for a company like Allsteel, because it provides energy
when traditional prices are at their highest."

    Green Power
    So, how do these giant sunflowers produce that much energy?  According to
Lesnet, it's really quite simple.
    "The solar array receives the natural sunlight on 12 panels on each
sunflower," he explained.  "The electricity generated by the array is sent
underground directly into a control panel in our building and is dispersed
where it is needed most.  If the array generates too much energy; it is fed
back into the grid until the energy is needed."
    In addition to the energy savings provided by the solar array, there are a
number of key benefits, including:

     - Maintenance free - once installed, the Solar Sunflowers are
       self-sufficient and do not require any maintenance on behalf of
       Allsteel or Muscatine Power and Water.
     - Tax Credit - the State of Iowa has a 1.5 cent production credit for
       solar energy, which went into effect in 2004.
     - Quick Payback - in addition to the tax credit, the payback on the solar
       array is very short - just ten years.
     - Additional Energy Conservation Tactics - according to Lesnet, the
       installation of the panels has sparked a number of complementary
       energy-saving activities at Allsteel:
       - High efficiency lighting
       - Large motor review - Allsteel is looking at ways to start large
         manufacturing machines with less energy
       - Energy analysis - a team is currently reviewing overall how the
         company uses electricity and how it can conserve this valuable
         resource

    The Next Crop
    Allsteel's Solar Sunflowers have been "growing" for almost a year now, and
both the company and Muscatine Power & Water are extremely pleased with their
results.  In fact, the electric company has used Allsteel as an example when
promoting the array to other area businesses.  And Allsteel is considering
supplementing the solar array by installing roof-top solar panels to its
building.
    "Beyond the energy-savings of the solar array, one of the most significant
benefits we've seen is in the eyes of our Allsteel members and customers,"
explained Lesnet.  "Everyone here is extremely committed to the environment
and our sustainability initiatives, yet most of our energy-saving measures are
'invisible' to the average member and customer.  The sunflowers provide a
great visual statement to our commitment to the environment and demonstrate
that we're not just talking green - we're really making a difference."

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