Home » A Steely Purpose: Solar Reduces Energy Costs for Magnum Steel Works
A Steely Purpose:
Solar Reduces Energy Costs for Magnum Steel Works
Mt. Vernon, IL
June 2023
For Magnum Steel Works, a global fabrication and machining company based in Southern Illinois, an industrial solar installation for manufacturing in Illinois has offered a smart way to reduce rising energy costs while supporting efficient, modern operations. With energy-intensive equipment running daily, Magnum Steel saw solar as a long-term investment that aligned with their commitment to precision, performance, and cost control.
Ready to reduce your operating costs with solar?
System Details
System Size
907 kW (DC)
Equipment
2,016 Boviet 450W Panels
7 SolarEdge Inverters
Energy Production
1,071,000 kWh Annually
75% Energy Offset
Savings
First Year – $74.8K
Lifetime – $1.8+ Million
Solar Story
The Challenge: Managing Energy Costs in a High-Demand Manufacturing Operation
Magnum Steel Works, located in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, specializes in precision fabrication and machining for customers around the world. As an industrial manufacturer with energy-intensive operations, controlling electricity costs was an ongoing challenge. Leadership wanted a commercial solar solution that aligned with their efficient, high-tech processes while delivering long-term financial value.
The Solution: Industrial Solar Designed for Manufacturing
StraightUp Solar designed and installed a 907 kW rooftop solar system tailored to Magnum Steel’s operational needs. The system was engineered to support their manufacturing load while maximizing available rooftop space. Throughout their solar journey, Magnum Steel’s leadership emphasized the importance of working with an experienced, professional solar EPC company capable of executing large-scale industrial solar projects, a role StraightUp Solar was well-positioned to fulfill.
Beyond installation, Magnum Steel valued long-term system reliability. With a dedicated, full-time Operations & Maintenance (O&M) team, StraightUp Solar can provide care for the system over its lifetime, ensuring consistent performance and peace of mind long after installation is complete.
The Results: Significant Savings and Long-Term Energy Control
The system is projected to reduce Magnum Steel Works’ electricity costs by an estimated $55,400 in the first year and more than $1.8 million over 25 years. It generates enough energy annually to power the equivalent of 96 homes, helping stabilize operating expenses while reinforcing the company’s commitment to efficiency and innovation.
By investing in solar, Magnum Steel Works gained greater control over energy costs, improved long-term financial performance, and demonstrated leadership in adopting forward-thinking energy solutions within the manufacturing sector.
“Since installation, our power bill has dropped dramatically. The StraightUp Solar team was very professional. When they were done, there was nothing left behind to take care of.”
Jim Czerwinksi, President and CEO, Magnum Steel
Explore how solar can reduce energy costs for manufacturing facilities. Start your proposal.
Incentives Overview
Magnum Steel Works leveraged multiple commercial solar incentives to strengthen the financial performance of their solar investment.
All scenarios are unique. Your financial breakdown may differ.
System Cost
Federal Investment Tax Credit
Solar Renewable Energy Credits
Federal MACRS & Bonus Depreciation
Smart Inverter Incentive
State MACRS Depreciation
Project Photos









Ready to strengthen your manufacturing operation with solar?
STRAIGHTUP SOLAR
Learning Center

Solar is the Logical Move for NOTS Logistics
solar is the logical move for NOTS Logistics Nashville, IL NOTS Logistics is a family-owned logistics company in Southern Illinois, providing warehousing, transportation, distribution, and

Sunshine in Every Pour: Alto Vineyards Powers Its Winery with Solar
Sunshine in Every Pour Alto Vineyards Powers Its Winery with Solar Alto Pass, IL 2022 Alto Vineyards, a family-owned winery in Alto Pass, Illinois, added

Forging Ahead with Solar: Innovation in Manufacturing at Forge Resources Group
Forging Ahead With Solar Innovation in Manufacturing at Forge Resources Group Illinois 2019-2025 Founded in 1988, Forge Resources Group (FRG) is a Midwest-based metal manufacturer
LOCAL BUSINESSES
Trust StraightUp Solar











