USFloors is inviting people to come view the ground breaking of what will be the largest solar array in Georgia. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 2, visitors can tour a portion of the array at the USFloors headquarters, 3580 Corporate Drive, in Dalton, Ga.

Once completed, the array will generate 365 kilowatts. As the third array at USFloors, the new project will bring the total power to more than half a megawatt.

“We continue to expand our commitment to alternative energy with this latest array, which will bring our capacity to more then half a megawatt since our first PV investment we made in 2008,” said Piet Dossche, USFloors' president and ceo.

By producing solar power on site, USFloors is able to take advantage of government and utility benefits including a 30% Federal Grant, a 35% state rebate and accelerated depreciation. North Georgia EMC pays USFloors a premium for the solar power that it generates.

The system will be installed by Alpharetta, Ga.-based United Renewable Energy, LLC. “USFloors continues to show leadership in sustainable manufacturing practices and job growth. This solar array is impressive in its size alone, but more importantly because this is the largest array in the entire state of Georgia,” said William Silva, president of United Renewable Energy.

Installing the solar array is one of the many sustainable practices of USFloors, according to Brian Anderson, president of the Dalton/Whitfield Chamber of Commerce. “We are impressed and proud to have a progressive company like USFloors in our community. It just goes to show how sustainable energy, like sustainable cork and bamboo floors, can create jobs for Dalton and Whitfield Co.”

Dossche noted that the project will be installed using local labor. “With the millions of square feet of flooring roof tops available in and around Whitfield County, we have the perfect opportunity to become the leading community in solar energy and an example for the rest of the country.”