GM announces 1.8MW solar project at Toledo Transmission plant

General Motors announced that a 1.8-megawatt rooftop solar array at its Toledo Transmission plant in Ohio would be completed next month. The project, which will generate nearly 3% of the plant’s overall electricity consumption, will be the largest rooftop array in Ohio. The energy produced will be enough to power 200 homes in the United States.

Separately, GM was also recognized today by the Solar Energy Industries Association, or SEIA, as a “Solar Champion” at its annual awards luncheon at Solar Power International 2013 in Chicago. The award recognizes companies that significantly impact establishment of a strong solar industry in America.

By the end of 2013, GM will have more than 40 megawatts of solar energy installed at its facilities globally, with two of the five largest rooftop solar arrays in the world located at its Opel Rüsselsheim facility in Germany and its Zaragoza Assembly plant in Spain.

Rolling more solar into our manufacturing process is not only good for the planet, but it provides a boon for our bottom line, as well.

—Rob Threlkeld, GM manager of renewable energy

Additionally, nine GM facilities have solar EV charging canopies on their grounds that employees and visitors can use to charge electric vehicles. General Motors has 395 workplace charging stations at facilities across the United States, and has provided 4,300 EV charging stations to dealers.

Source: Green Car Congress