MIC: Lectrus takes solar world by storm

By: Latricia Thomas
A Chattanooga company is taking a step into the solar world by creating custom buildings to shelter high-powered equipment. Tucked beside Chattanooga's airport, Lectrus is growing exponentially, thanks to the power of the sun. "We did no solar work last year," says Plant Manager Tim Brownfield. "Now we have added an entire line. It's a lot of power.

The company's assembly process starts with structural steel, that is cut for the custom product. Welders prepare the base for steel walls and a coat of paint. "That allows us to set the equipment," says Vice President and General Manager Mark Arms. "We create an eclosure around it to protect the equipment from the elements." That creates a much-needed shield for the high-tech electrical equipment. "Ever drop your hair dryer in the water," Arms says. "There's your answer.  The equipment has to be protected from the heat, moisture and cold."

That protection is important when the electrical equipment Lectrus adds inside is responsible for so much power. In their solar line, you might say it helps panels plug in. "This is the piece of the puzzle that takes the DC power and coverts it into AC so it can be uploaded to the utility grid," Brownfield says.

It's a lot of work for the Chattanooga company that employee Chase Eustice calls the city's best kept secret. "When I go out of town," he says, "I always look at our products and say we did that in Chattanooga."
 For more information on Lectrus, click here to visit their website.


MIC: Lectrus takes solar world by storm