Small Pharmaceutical Business to Install Solar
Successful small businesses are essential for growth in our local economy. Fortunately, many Middle Tennessee business owners are still investing in their companies despite tough economic times.
One of them is Lebanon business owner Buddy Stephens who began a pharmacy company back in 2005. In an effort to expand and grow, he is currently constructing a new building that will house Rx Med LLC. Stephens thought the roof at the new location might be a great spot for solar generation.
Stephens had spent a lot of time in Southern California and had seen how prominent solar energy is there. After researching solar energy in Middle Tennessee, he saw what great potential the area had for solar energy production. He came to LightWave with an interest in installing solar on his small pharmaceutical business.
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“Being a novice at solar energy, LightWave Solar not only advised and worked with me but educated me as well. They have guided me in regards to funding that may be available, assisted me in applying for those funds as well as performed the design work and installation,” said Stephens.
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The new building happened to have the exact orientation of the roof that enabled Stephens and LightWave to design a system that would enhance the production of solar energy. The design maximizes the available roof space to accommodate the 71.69 kilowatt system which is comprised of 224 solar panels. Despite being located in the historic area of Lebanon, the former Castle Heights Military Academy campus area and neighboring businesses have been very accepting. Even Mayor Phillip Craighead has expressed interest in the solar project.
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“We need to be aware of our environment and what we can do as individuals to preserve our natural resources and move toward renewable energy sources such as solar and wind,” said Stephens.
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Stephens decided to install solar on his business because of his goal to utilize less fossil fuel energy and to enable the United States to become more energy independent. Stephens’ wants to contribute to preserving the planet for future generations and wants other businesses to follow suit.
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“In our country, we have so many buildings that have roofs that are just sitting there absorbing the sun’s rays. Most all of these roofs could be producing solar energy. These businesses could help with the solution rather than being part of the problem,” said Stephens.
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Rx Med LLC is a long-term care pharmacy that supplies the full medication needs for patients that reside in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and group homes. Medication needs include prescription medications, pharmacy consulting, IV services, compounding of medications, 24/7 availability and delivery of all this directly to the facility. Rx Med is not open to the public for prescription services. The company employs approximately 25 people including a staff of five pharmacists.
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