Lebanon Citizens National Bank introduces world's first solar powered drive-thru

Lebanon Citizens National Bank has partnered with E.F. Bavis & Associates, Inc., in creating the world's first solar powered drive-thru in the banking and pharmaceutical industries, at the bank's flagship office in South Lebanon located at 603 Corwin Nixon Boulevard.

E.F. Bavis & Associates says that the drive-thru is powered by a 26-inch by 40-inc solar panel that is designed specifically for Ohio sunlight conditions, and will charge a 12-volt battery.  The battery will then be used to power the drive-thru's nonpneumatic delivery system which uses "an intelligent sensor monitored, positive-drive conveyor tape delivery system engineered to use less than one-tenth the normal amount of electricity required by normal pneumatic tube delivery systems," according to E.F. Bavis & Associates who specializes in manufacturing drive-thru equipment for Banking, Pharmacy, and Quick Service Restaurant industries.

"Our goal is to promote innovation of green technology to lessen the carbon load within the banking and pharmaceutical industries," says William Sieber, president of E.F. Bavis & Associates.

And that they have.  In addition to the innovative solar panel and nonpneumatic delievery system, the drive-thru will also have a hybrid system where the DC motor that drives the delivery system acts simultaneously as a generator that replenishes electricity back to the battery.  This is done by using a pulse-drive system that captures the electricty generated after the motor is shut off, but still spinning.

For Lebanon-based Lebanon Citizens National Bank the goal is slightly different.  While LCNB cheif executive officer Steve Wilson says the bank is proud the flagship banking facility was chosen to test the latest in green building innovation, he also wants a smooth transition for LCNB's customers.

"We want to reassure our banking customer that the solar test lane is expected to be seamless and will be no different to operate than any of our non-solar lanes," says Wilson.

"By monitoring the performance of the solar panel, our goal is to achieve total independence from the need for any supplemental AC electricity," says Sieber, who goes on to say that one solar panel actually generates enough power for two to three lanes at the same time without additional AC energy.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
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