Local Company Leading New Energy Economy

At a time when most business executives are playing defense by slashing R&D and capital expenditures, there is at least one local company that is playing offense by launching new products and services that cater to emerging markets. Melink Corporation (Milford, Ohio), a firm specializing in energy efficiency for commercial and institutional buildings, has formed a new business unit specializing in renewable energy. The purpose is to help owners reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint by 50% or more and strategically position them as winners in the growing energy economy. Their new business unit is specifically focused on what it considers the most promising renewable energy technologies, ie. those having the greatest potential to go mainstream within the next 5 years. According to Melink these are geothermal heat pumps, solar photo-voltaics (PV), and low-wind turbines. Geothermal heat pumps are for space heating and cooling as well as water heating. They are up to 50% more energy efficient than conventional air conditioning systems and gas furnaces and boilers. The reason this technology has not yet gone mainstream is its incremental first cost. But with growing awareness of the energy savings along with a new 10% federal tax credit, this is about to change. Therefore, Melink is investing in the education and training necessary to become a regional expert in commercial geothermal design and commissioning services. Solar PV systems are for generating electricity from sunlight. They can be roof or ground-mounted and tied directly into the building electrical system to reduce the kW demand and kWh usage. This technology has also not yet gone mainstream because of its first cost. But with an 8-year extension of the 30% federal tax credit, as well as a state grant, accelerated depreciation, and a possible rebate from the local utility, this is also about to change. Therefore, Melink has become a contract manufacturer of Chinese solar modules and is positioning itself as a regional distributor and project developer of medium and large-scale solar power plants. In addition it is developing a small 1 and 2kW pre-engineered system for the residential and light commercial markets. Wind turbines are for generating electricity from wind when the sun isn’t shining. They can be located in business parks, college campuses, farms, and other sites where local zoning permits. Like solar PV systems, they can be tied directly into the building electrical system to reduce the kWh usage. And like solar PV systems, the incentives can be significant. Therefore, Melink has become the exclusive distributor of a Swiss engineered 6.5 kW wind turbine that is designed for low-wind conditions like that which exists in Southwest Ohio. Not only is it efficient at low wind speeds, it serves as a beautiful and inspiring feature for a company’s employees and customers. Steve Melink, President of Melink Corporation, states, “We have demonstrated that a business can truly reduce its building energy costs 50% or more compared to the average. In fact our headquarters is a near-zero energy facility and we have one of the most comfortable and productive work environments of any office in the State of Ohio. “This leads to benefits that go above and beyond the energy savings,” says Steve. “The HR benefit of being able to attract and retain the best and brightest people because of our green building and green mission is invaluable. And the PR benefit of being held up as a leader in the new energy economy is doubly invaluable. These benefits improve the top and bottom line in multiple ways.” Jennifer Sivak jsivak@melinkcorp.com Learn more about Melink and other Company's that are succeeding in the current environment at the Cincinnati 3E Summit - 10.2.09 - http://www.3esummitcincinnati.org/