Lake Wales Auto Agency Mahalak Auto Group Goes Solar

Another Lake Wales business is joining the growing wave of movement to solar power, with installation of a large rooftop array slated for this fall.

The Low Payment Kings dealerships, powered by Mahalak Auto Group, has announced a major commitment to sustainability by going solar at their Lake Wales Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Winter Haven, and Posner Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM FIAT dealerships.

"We are thrilled to partner with ESA to take this major step towards sustainability," said J.P. Mahalak, CEO of Mahalak Auto Group. "We believe that investing in renewable energy is not only good for the environment, but it also makes good business sense. This investment opens up possibilities for our business, like ensuring our infrastructure can withstand the additional electric vehicle inventory and the accompanying charging stations on our lots. We are excited to see the positive impact that our new solar panels and EV chargers will have on our dealerships, our customers, and the community as a whole."

In addition to reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to a cleaner environment, Mahalak Auto Group decided to go solar to save money on its climbing electric bills. As the new solar panels generate clean energy to power up the dealerships, the amount needed to be drawn from the grid is drastically reduced.

“The future is here and solar power is going to be essential to meeting the growing energy needs of businesses in Central Florida,” added Mike Mahalak, president of Mahalak Auto Group.

While customers may not notice the new panels, charging electric cars will be a sweet benefit. Mahalak Auto Group will also be installing more EV chargers at each dealership, in addition to the solar arrays. This move is aimed at supporting the growing number of electric vehicles on the road and providing a convenient charging option for their customers.

The Low Payment Kings at Lake Wales Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram location will be a 158 kW DC system comprised of 330 panels expected to generate 255 MWh of electricity per year.

The Low Payment Kings at Posner Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Fiat will be a 318 kW DC system comprised of 664 panels expected to generate 504 MWh of electricity per year.

The Low Payment Kings at Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Winter Haven location will have two arrays. The rooftop array will be a 119 kWdc system comprised of 248 panels and expected to generate 183 MWh of electricity per year. The ground mount array will be a 204 kWdc system comprised of 426 panels expected to generate 282 MWh of electricity per year.

The installation of the new solar panels and EV chargers is expected to be completed in the coming months. Mahalak Auto Group hopes that this move will inspire other businesses to take similar steps towards sustainability and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.

At the same time, a vast solar array being constructed by Tampa Electric Company (TECO) on the north side of Lake Wales is nearing completion. That project is expected to generate 74.5 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 11,500 homes.

The company installing the panels at the three Mahalak dealerships, ESA, described as a leading provider of clean energy solutions, with over 20 years of experience in the solar industry. The company develops, designs, and engineers a range of solar panel systems for commercial customers, as well as community solar and utility scale solar farms. ESA is committed to exceptional quality and safety, utilizing cutting-edge technology to help customers meet decarbonization goals and make the most of the clean energy harnessed from the sun.