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Appalachian Energy and The Winning Team to Convert 33 Arby’s Franchises to Solar

Submitted by: John Warner on Dec 04, 2007 at 2:42 am Tagged with: Alternative Energy, Next Energy, Solar Energy Source: Appalachian Energy

FLETCHER, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In the fast food business, profit margins are tight and every penny of income is precious. When The Winning Team, a North Carolina-based Arby’s franchisee, decided to take a major step towards being an environmentally responsible provider of fast food they needed an innovative solution that would fit within a rigid operational budget.

Thanks to Appalachian Energy’s RESCOTM model, The Winning Team’s 33 restaurants will switch from conventional natural gas hot water heaters to solar powered hot water heaters with no up-front capital cost. A total of 132 solar panels will produce hot water for the restaurants, even on cloudy days. Appalachian Energy’s engineers monitor the system online from their North Carolina headquarters.

President Ed McCammon and Vice-President JoAnn Yoder of The Winning Team said, “Being able to roll out solar systems to our Arby’s locations without any capital outlay really sealed the deal for us. The system also protects us from future increases in energy costs.” By going solar The Winning Team is cutting its bill for natural gas by approximately $12,000 annually, and reducing greenhouse gases by around 100,000 pounds.

Scott Clark, CEO of Appalachian Energy, explains the value of partnerships with companies like The Winning Team, Inc. “This partnership is based on a commitment to community, employers, the environment, and good economics. Through our Renewable Energy Service Company, or RESCOTM division we are helping businesses keep the volatile energy market from eroding their bottom line and dispelling the myth that businesses can not afford green energy.”

About Appalachian Energy, Inc. (www.appalachianenergy.com)

Appalachian Energy is a clean energy developer, manufacturer and generator located in the Southeastern United States, providing cost-effective renewable energy solutions for homes and businesses with solar heating, cooling and power generation systems.

About The Winning Team, Inc.

The Winning Team Inc. is a North Carolina Arby’s franchise owner that is equally dedicated to customer and employee satisfaction, while advocating the advancement of local charities. Through supporting community organizations The Winning Team seeks to create “Arby’s Fanatics,” by making a difference delivering quality food, fast and friendly with a clear sense of value and mission.

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