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Powering Local Flavor: How Sandy’s Pizza Cut Energy Costs with Solar

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:54:28 GMT

A Local Favorite Embraces Solar Energy

Overview

Rising energy costs are a growing concern for small businesses across the Midwest. Sandy’s Pizza, a staple in Fort Branch, Indiana, took a proactive step to address this challenge by partnering with Morton Electric to install a 93.84 kW solar energy system.

The goal was simple but impactful: reduce long-term electricity expenses, stabilize operating costs, and invest in a more sustainable future without compromising the quality customers expect.

A Local Business with Long-Term Vision

Sandy’s Pizza has built its reputation on consistency and community connection. However, like many restaurants, it faces high and fluctuating energy demands driven by refrigeration, cooking equipment, and HVAC systems.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, commercial electricity prices have steadily increased over time, with businesses in Indiana seeing notable variability in utility rates. For energy-intensive operations like restaurants, this can significantly impact margins.

By transitioning to solar, Sandy’s Pizza is not just reacting to rising costs—it is future-proofing its business.

Why Solar Made Sense

A 93.84 kW solar system is well-suited for a commercial facility of this type, capable of generating substantial annual energy output. In Indiana’s climate, systems of this size can typically produce over 110,000 kWh per year depending on orientation and shading conditions.

That production translates into several tangible benefits:

Reduced electricity bills through on-site generation
Protection against future utility rate increases
Improved operating cost predictability
Lower carbon emissions and environmental impact
Enhanced brand image as a sustainability-focused business

For a restaurant operating on tight margins, these savings can compound quickly over time.

Understanding the Financial Impact

Electricity savings are measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), the standard unit of energy consumption. Each kWh generated by the solar array directly offsets energy that would otherwise be purchased from the grid.

Over a 25–30 year system lifespan, a project like this can result in tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in avoided utility costs. When combined with available incentives such as the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), the financial case becomes even stronger.

As of recent policy updates, the federal ITC allows businesses to deduct a significant percentage of installation costs, accelerating return on investment and improving cash flow.

Why Morton Electric

Morton Electric brought regional expertise and full-service project execution to the table. Their role included:

Custom system design tailored to the facility’s energy needs
Structural engineering integration
Utility interconnection coordination
SREC registration and compliance
End-to-end project management

Their experience with commercial solar installations ensured that the system was not only efficient but also built for long-term durability and performance.

Project Highlights

93.84 kW commercial solar array installed
Utility interconnection successfully completed
Structural support engineering incorporated into design
Participation in SREC program established
Designed for long-term savings and operational efficiency

Results: A Smarter Energy Strategy

With the system now operational, Sandy’s Pizza is positioned to benefit from decades of clean energy production. The installation reduces reliance on grid electricity, lowers operating costs, and provides greater predictability in monthly expenses.

Beyond the financial benefits, the project also strengthens the company’s role as a forward-thinking business within the Fort Branch community.

The Bigger Picture: Solar for Small Business

Sandy’s Pizza is part of a growing trend. Across the U.S., small and mid-sized businesses are increasingly adopting solar to combat rising energy costs and improve sustainability.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reports that commercial solar adoption continues to expand as technology costs decline and incentives improve. For many businesses, solar is no longer just an environmental choice—it is a strategic financial decision.

Final Thoughts

The Sandy’s Pizza project demonstrates how local businesses can take control of their energy future. With the right partner and a well-designed system, solar energy becomes more than an upgrade—it becomes a long-term investment in stability, savings, and community leadership.

How Azzip’s Home Office Is Turning Sunlight Into Long-Term Value

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:56:43 GMT

Morton Electric’s 17.6 kW rooftop solar project is designed to produce an estimated 21,869 kWh of clean energy each year for Azzip’s Evansville home office.

Case Study

For a growing local business, energy is more than a monthly bill. It is part of the cost of serving customers, supporting a team, and keeping operations steady year after year. That is why the rooftop solar project at Azzip’s Evansville home office is a strong example of what commercial solar can do for a business with deep local roots.

According to the signed project contract, Morton Electric designed a grid-tied 17.6 kW rooftop solar system for Azzip’s home office at 810 W Franklin Street in Evansville. The system was estimated to produce 21,869 kilowatt-hours, or kWh, of electricity each year. For a business, those kWh matter because they represent real energy that can be produced on-site instead of purchased from the utility.

What 21,869 kWh Actually Means

A kilowatt-hour is a simple way to measure energy over time. A kilowatt measures power at a moment; a kilowatt-hour measures how much energy is produced or used. In other words, kWh is the number that shows up where business owners feel it most: usage, utility bills, and long-term energy planning.

The estimated 21,869 kWh annual production for Azzip’s home office works out to roughly 60 kWh per day on average. That does not mean the system produces the same amount every day, because sunlight, weather, seasonality, and site conditions all matter. But over the course of a year, the estimate gives Azzip a practical benchmark for how much energy the system is designed to contribute.

· Lower exposure to utility rate increases by producing a portion of the building’s electricity on-site.

· A clearer sustainability story, backed by a measurable annual production estimate rather than a vague claim.

· More visibility into performance through the monitoring package included in the project scope.

· A long-term asset on the roof that can keep producing value well beyond the first year of operation.

A Local Business With a Local Story

Azzip’s story also makes the project feel right for Evansville. The company says founder Brad Niemeier developed the idea while in college, won Purdue’s Burton D. Morgan Business Plan Competition, and sold the first Azzip pizza on February 5, 2014, in Evansville. Since then, Azzip has grown from a family-supported start-up into a regional fast-casual pizza brand with locations across Indiana and Kentucky.

The home office matters because it represents the backbone behind that growth. It is where the business can make longer-term decisions that affect restaurants, employees, and customers. Adding solar there is not just a roof upgrade. It is a practical investment in how the company powers the work behind the stores.

Why Morton Electric Was the Right Team

Morton Electric’s own history lines up with the job. Morton describes itself as a full-service licensed electrical contractor specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, with experience across residential, commercial, municipal, governmental, and utility projects. The company also points to a long regional track record, including work connected to the first net-zero public library in the United States and advocacy that helped expand renewable-energy access in Southwest Indiana.

That background matters on a commercial rooftop project. The work is not just placing panels. The contract included system design, mounting, inverters, conduits, utility interconnection, and monitoring. Morton Electric is also committed to performing the installation under National Electrical Code and local jurisdiction requirements, with a five-year workmanship warranty in addition to manufacturer warranties.

In plain terms, Morton did the job because this is exactly the kind of project Morton was built to handle: local, commercial, technically detailed, and tied to the bigger goal of making renewable energy more accessible for businesses in the Tri-State.

The Bigger Benefit

Solar projects are often described in panels, inverters, and tax credits. Those details matter, but the real story is what the system produces after the installation is complete. Every kWh generated on Azzip’s roof is energy that can help support the company’s home office, reduce dependence on purchased electricity, and turn unused roof space into a working business asset.

For Azzip, the project adds a visible sustainability step to a company already known for local creativity and growth. For Morton Electric, it is another example of a regional business helping another regional business take control of its power. And for other business owners watching from the sidelines, it shows that the benefits of solar start with a practical question: how many kWh could your roof be producing for you?

Powering Pharmaceutical Innovation: Morton Electric Delivers Scalable Solar Infrastructure for AstraZeneca

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:39:48 GMT

Delivering resilient, future-ready electrical infrastructure to support clean energy adoption in high-demand pharmaceutical operations.

Morton Electric recently completed a comprehensive design-build electrical infrastructure project for AstraZeneca, enabling the integration of a 2.2 MW solar array at the company’s facility. Interconnected at the plant’s 12.47 kV substation, the system represents a strategic investment in both energy reliability and long-term sustainability.

The project scope included installation of a 4 MVA transformer, new switchgear, panelboards, and a premium Square D I-Line distribution panel. This infrastructure ensures seamless integration of solar generation into the facility’s existing electrical system while maintaining the high-performance standards required for pharmaceutical operations.

Just as importantly, the system was engineered with future expansion in mind. The electrical design includes built-in capacity for a potential 1 MW battery energy storage system. As energy storage adoption continues to grow—driven by grid resiliency needs and declining battery costs—this forward-looking approach positions AstraZeneca to enhance operational continuity and manage energy more strategically in the years ahead.

Across the pharmaceutical sector, energy demands are both intensive and non-negotiable. Advanced manufacturing, climate-controlled environments, and continuous research operations require highly reliable power infrastructure. According to industry analyses, life sciences facilities can consume up to 10–20 times more energy per square foot than traditional commercial buildings, making efficiency and resilience critical priorities.

AstraZeneca, a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company, operates at the forefront of innovation in oncology, rare diseases, and biopharmaceuticals. As outlined in its 2026 reporting, the company continues to invest in sustainable operations as part of its broader commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving environmental performance. Projects like this solar interconnection directly support those goals by reducing reliance on grid-supplied electricity and enabling cleaner energy sourcing.

By combining robust electrical engineering with scalable renewable integration, Morton Electric’s work demonstrates how infrastructure upgrades can support both operational excellence and sustainability targets. As more industrial and life sciences facilities look to balance reliability with decarbonization, projects like this offer a practical blueprint for the future of energy in high-demand environments.

Past Project Spotlight: Indiana American Water’s Investment in Long-Term Infrastructure Value

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:03:07 GMT

How Morton Electric supported a past Greenwood infrastructure project built for long-term performance.

Strong infrastructure does more than meet today’s operational needs. It helps organizations prepare for the future with smarter facilities, better efficiency, and long-term cost control.

Indiana American Water’s past Greenwood project is a strong example of that approach. As part of its continued investment in modern infrastructure, the company partnered with Holladay Properties to develop a customized, build-to-suit headquarters office in Greenwood, Indiana.

To support the facility’s energy and operational goals, a 438-kW solar installation was completed as part of the Greenwood operations. Evansville-based Morton Electric played an important role in supporting the electrical work behind the project, helping bring the system together with the experience needed for a commercial infrastructure installation of this scale.

The Greenwood project reflects how modern utility facilities can be designed with both performance and long-term value in mind. By combining a purpose-built office environment with renewable energy infrastructure, Indiana American Water strengthened its operational footprint while supporting more efficient energy use.

For Morton Electric, the project also highlights the importance of having a capable local electrical partner on complex commercial and utility-related work. Projects like this require more than installation alone. They demand coordination, technical skill, safety awareness, and an understanding of how electrical systems support broader facility goals.

Looking back, the Greenwood investment stands as a practical example of how smart infrastructure planning can serve both business and community needs. With the right partners in place, facility upgrades can deliver long-term benefits, from improved efficiency to stronger operational resilience.

Looking Back at Vuteq’s Solar Project with Morton Electric

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:18:28 GMT

How Vuteq’s Princeton facility turned rooftop solar into a long-term investment in cleaner energy, cost control, and smarter manufacturing.

Looking back, Vuteq’s decision to go solar at its Princeton, Indiana, facility was a practical step toward cleaner, more predictable energy. For a manufacturer, energy is more than a monthly expense. It supports daily operations, long-term planning, and the ability to stay competitive.

Vuteq partnered with Morton Electric to install a 1.4 MW grid-tied solar energy system on the east- and west-facing roofs of its Princeton facility. Morton Solar & Electric later highlighted the project as one of its major commercial solar installations in the region, showing how an Indiana manufacturer used available roof space to support its energy needs and reduce its environmental impact.

At the time, Morton Electric, based in Evansville, brought years of regional experience to the project. Since 2006, the company has worked with commercial, industrial, utility, agricultural, and residential customers across Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. Vuteq Indiana became part of that broader story of helping regional businesses reduce operating expenses, manage exposure to energy costs, and make use of commercial solar opportunities.

For Vuteq, the benefits became clear over time. On-site solar helped the facility produce renewable electricity directly where it was needed. That gave the company a way to better manage operating costs and add more predictability to its energy strategy, both of which are valuable in a manufacturing environment where power demand remains constant.

The project also supported energy resilience. By generating power on-site, Vuteq added another layer to its energy approach instead of relying only on traditional grid electricity. For a busy automotive manufacturing supplier, that kind of long-term planning mattered.

The solar installation also strengthened Vuteq’s sustainability story. A rooftop system of this size showed a visible commitment to cleaner energy and more efficient operations. It turned unused roof space into a productive asset and helped reduce the facility’s overall carbon footprint.

Looking back, Vuteq’s solar project with Morton Electric was more than an installation. It was an investment in smarter operations, lower energy impact, and long-term business strength.

As more manufacturers continue looking for ways to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact, Vuteq’s Princeton facility remains a strong example of practical sustainability in action.

Industrial Control Engineering Rebrands as Morton Electric

Thu, 07 May 2026 15:13:32 GMT

Powering Industry Forward

As we continue to grow and expand our capabilities, we’re proud to announce that Industrial Control Engineering (ICE) is now Morton Electric.
This rebrand represents more than a name change—it reflects the evolution of our company, our expanded capabilities, and our long-term vision to serve industrial and high-tech customers at a higher level.

Built on a Strong Foundation
Founded in 2003 by Brad Morton, Industrial Control Engineering was established with a clear focus: delivering high-performance industrial automation, controls engineering, and electrical systems .
From our early work supporting Caterpillar’s mining truck production to developing advanced control systems across multiple industries, our mission has remained consistent:

Deliver reliable, high-quality electrical solutions that improve performance, efficiency, and uptime.

Over the past two decades, we’ve built a reputation for solving complex challenges—designing and supporting systems that are critical to our customers’ operations.

Why the Change?
The transition to Morton Electric reflects who we are today.
Our scope has expanded beyond controls and automation into a broader, more integrated role supporting:

Industrial electrical systems
Power distribution infrastructure
Automation and controls engineering
High-tech manufacturing environments
Energy systems, including solar and storage

We are no longer just a controls company.
We are a full-service electrical and engineering partner .

More than electricians. More than engineers. We are both.

A Clearer Focus Across Two Divisions
As part of this evolution, we are refining how we serve our customers through two specialized divisions:
Morton Electric
Focused on industrial, commercial, and infrastructure clients, Morton Electric delivers:

Automation & controls engineering
Power distribution systems
Industrial electrical contracting
High-tech manufacturing support
Large-scale solar and energy storage integration
Critical infrastructure projects, including water and utility systems

Morton Solar
Morton Solar will continue to serve residential customers , providing:

Solar energy systems
Battery storage solutions
Energy independence for homeowners
Long-term savings and resilience

This structure allows each division to focus on its core customers while maintaining the same commitment to quality, reliability, and innovation .

Industries We Support
Morton Electric is proud to support a wide range of industries, including:

Automotive manufacturing
Pharmaceutical and life sciences
Industrial and advanced manufacturing
Food processing and production
Water and utility infrastructure
Commercial and institutional facilities

These industries depend on reliable power, precision automation, and system uptime —and we deliver solutions built to meet those demands.

Territories Served
We continue to expand our reach while maintaining strong roots in the Midwest.
Morton Electric proudly serves:

Southern Indiana
Southwest Indiana
Western Kentucky
Southern Illinois
Broader regional projects across the Midwest as required

Looking Ahead
From building the “brains” of heavy industrial equipment to supporting modern energy systems and high-tech facilities, our journey has been defined by growth and innovation.
This rebrand is a natural next step.

We are building systems that power industries, strengthen infrastructure, and support the future of energy.

Our Commitment
While our name has changed, our core values remain the same:

Quality workmanship
Reliable performance
Innovative solutions
Long-term partnerships

Morton Electric: Powering Industry Forward
Morton Solar: Empowering Energy Independence

Morton Electric Awarded Project by CountryMark Refineries to Support Domestic Oil Production

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:04:08 GMT

Evansville, IN — Morton Electric, LLC is proud to announce it has been awarded a solar project supporting the production and processing of domestic oil from the Illinois Basin. Work has officially begun on the project that will deliver crude oil to a refinery facility in Mt. Vernon, Indiana, where it will be processed into petroleum products.

This project represents a significant investment in regional energy development and underscores the importance of strengthening essential energy infrastructure across the Midwest. Morton Electric will play a critical role in the electrical systems required to safely and efficiently move oil from extraction sites to refining operations.

“The Illinois Basin has long been an important resource for American energy,” said Brad Morton, President at Morton Electric. “We’re proud to be part of a project that supports reliable domestic fuel production while helping reinforce the infrastructure our communities and industries depend on every day.”

The refinery in Mt. Vernon will process the incoming crude oil into essential fuels including diesel and gasoline, contributing to a more resilient and locally supported energy market.
Morton Electric continues to expand its role in large-scale energy and infrastructure projects, delivering expertise across industrial electrical systems, oil and gas, and emerging energy sectors.

About Morton Electric, LLC
Morton Electric, LLC is a leading provider of industrial electrical services, specializing in energy infrastructure, solar energy & storage systems, and large-scale construction projects across the Midwest. With a focus on safety, reliability, and innovation, Morton Electric supports critical industries that power communities and drive economic growth.

About CountryMark

CountryMark is an American-owned oil exploration, production, refining and marketing company. Proudly, we are a farmer-owned cooperative, and have been since 1919. Today, we’re among the largest ag cooperatives in the nation. With roots like these, we’ve grown into an enterprise operating under a unique service model that’s committed to the mutual good of member dealers, customers, communities, and naturally, the land surrounding us.