US Floors Inc., in partnership with United Renewable Energy, has completed the first of three phases of its 94.5 kilowatt solar powered electric generation system. The system is mounted on the rooftop of the company's Dalton, Ga.-based plant, which began production of sustainable flooring products late last year. Once fully operational "the installation ... is likely to be the largest privately owned solar power generation system in the state" of Georgia, according to United Renewable Energy.

“We are very pleased to increase our manufacturing capacity in Georgia. This new solar electric power system is an excellent way for us to save money and decrease our impact on the environment, while we produce high quality, sustainably grown cork and bamboo flooring products” said Piet Dossche, CEO of US Floors Inc.

The rooftop array currently consists of 180 photovoltaic (PV) solar panels that generate electricity directly from sunlight. Phase one of the completed system is rated at 31.5 kilowatts, and generates enough electricity to power four Georgia homes. When the next two phases are installed, the total output of the system will exceed 94 kilowatts, powering a significant portion of the building's electrical requirements, the company said.