NASHVILLE, TN Thompson Power, a division of Thompson Machinery, now offers solar, microgrid, and energy storage systems globally. The renewable energy Cat-branded products, warrantied by Caterpillar, are manufactured by First Solar and are designed to stand alone or integrate with Cat generators, on or off-grid designs, and energy storage systems through the patented and proven Caterpillar Microgrid Controller. Thompson is uniquely positioned to distribute these products, as well as provide turnkey solar solutions and remote monitoring systems in the industrial, commercial, and utility market segments.

"We are committed to delivering reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy to all customers," said Tom Stanzione, Manager of Distributed and Renewable Power at Thompson.  "Thompson's knowledge of generator sets and distributed power, and the strength of the Cat dealer network, provide customers with a reliable, long-term business partner. We are excited to serve as a supplier of Caterpillar's renewable energy products and services."

The New York Stock Exchange trades stocks for some 2,800 companies, but only a small percentage of those companies originally listed in 1929 are still in business today.  Among the remaining few is Caterpillar whose dozers, excavators, and backhoes have helped develop roads, utilities, and other infrastructure globally. Caterpillar's brand awareness certainly has a strong foundation in earthmoving equipment, but most people are surprised to learn about the significant role Caterpillar, and its global dealer network, play in electric power generation.

Caterpillar manufactures portable generators that produce as little as 3 kilowatts of electricity, which are mainly used for light construction, camping, and other outdoor recreational uses. Permanently installed Caterpillar generator sets can produce over 5,000 kilowatts of electricity. The primary use is backup and emergency power generation applications. These units are mostly seen in industrial, commercial, and utility applications, such as data centers, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities.

To survive long-term, most businesses must evolve with technology and innovation, and Caterpillar is certainly no different. That's why Caterpillar recently announced a new suite of power systems that adds environmentally-friendly solar panels, state-of-the-art energy storage, and advanced monitoring and control systems to its traditional line of reliable power generation equipment, including Cat generator sets, switchgear, uninterruptible power supplies, and automatic transfer switches. The product line evolution is a true testament to a business evolving with a changing environment.

As the power generation industry continues to evolve and lean towards renewable energy solutions, Thompson Machinery, the local Cat dealer in middle and west Tennessee and north Mississippi, is determined to lead the way.  

"It's exciting to provide renewable energy ecosystems that connect with the traditional line of reliable Cat power generation equipment," said Steve Lainhart, VP of Energy & Transportation at Thompson. "Renewable energy will play a big role in long-term sustainability, and we are excited to be part of that transformation."

In the past 15 years, Thompson Power has installed more than 220 megawatts of distributed power generation for companies like Bank of New York, Tennessee Valley Authority, the Internal Revenue Service, the University of Mississippi, UT Martin, and Middle Tennessee State University. Thompson also manages the majority of the standby power requirements for Hospital Corporation of America and their facilities spread over much of the country.