GM Powers California Warehouse With Solar Energy
Date: 14-Sep-07
Country: US
The automaker said it has partnered with a subsidiary of
Constellation Energy, which will design, build, own and operate
the solar array on the roof of a GM service and parts operation
warehouse in Fontana, about 60 miles east of Los Angeles.
The solar-powered array, which will become operational in
December, will feed enough extra electricity back to the grid
to power more than 300 homes for a year, GM said in a
statement.
GM said this is its second solar installation, following
one at another warehouse in Rancho Cucamonga, about eight miles
from Fontana. The automaker has been making strides in being
perceived as environment-friendly.
GM has been demonstrating how it is investing some of the
US$9 billion saved through a wrenching program of job cuts and
plant closures in technology, including hybrids. The automaker
is planning to produce an electric plug-in vehicle by late
2010.
"We understand that good environmental decisions are good
business decisions," Elizabeth Lowery, GM vice president of
environment, energy and safety policy, said.
"The new solar arrays on our rooftops are reducing our
energy costs and carbon footprint, while providing green energy
to the community."
GM estimates that the solar array will reduce its
electricity costs by about 10 percent a year, as the automaker
tries to return to profitability after losing more than US$10
billion in the past two years.
"Reducing overall cost is important to our business," said
Charlie Hyndman, general director of warehousing and
distribution. "The solar panels...will help us reduce costs and
give our community access to solar power - it's a win-win".
The system will generate about 1.3 million kilowatt hours
of electricity a year, GM said.
GM has also partnered with United Solar Ovonic, a division
of Energy Conversion Devices, which makes the film solar
laminates used in the system.
(Reporting by Jui Chakravorty)
