Beginning in November of last year, Middleton-based Standard Imaging has had three Dual Axis Solar Panel Trackers installed on the south lawn of its property on Deming Way in Middleton’s commercial development.

The trackers, which are now operational, are designed to optimize the collection of light by moving continually during the day to follow the movement of the sun at any positon on the horizon.

These panels will supply between eight and ten percent of the company’s electrical requirements and is now connected to the local MG&E grid.

This means that Standard Imaging is participating in the MG&E Clean Power Partner Program (supplying solar energy to the local utility) and can ‘sell back’ unused electricity to the utility.

They are also looking at adding a data logging system to have real-time monitoring of the electricity to the utility.

Standard Imaging develops and manufactures calibration and quality-control instruments for radiation therapy equipment.

A couple of years ago the company (which won the 2008 Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment award) installed a geothermal heating and cooling system in its then new headquarters, and is now in the process of obtaining ISO 14001 (green) certification.

According to its president, Ed Neumueller, the solar installation cost about $100,000 before rebates and tax credits of about twenty percent.

Although the payback period is longer than for the geothermal system, for him it is worth it: ‘We want to have a positive impact on the environment. It also helps us make a statement about our values, not least internationally, where the U.S. doesn’t have a very green reputation.

Photololtaic Contractor: H&H Solar Energy Services. Solar Electric Photovoltaic System: 48 Kyocera KD 180 (watt) panels (8.64 kW). Three dual axis trackers mounted on schedule forty 8” galvanized steel masts. Each array is 17.3 feet wide by 13.3 feet high. Price reflects a cost per watt of $11.69.