Constellation Energy reports that its subsidiary, Constellation Energy Projects and Services Group (CEPS), has signed an agreement with General Motors Corporation to construct a solar power system that will generate approximately 870 kw of power and supply nearly half of the power requirements at GM's 300,000-square-foot Service and Parts Operations warehouse in Fontana, Calif.
Constellation Energy will own and operate the rooftop system and provide power to the GM facility under a 25-year power purchase agreement.
The photovoltaic solar installation, one of the largest of its kind for a corporate customer, will feature 6,400 UNI-SOLAR solar panels. GM estimates the project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 355 metric tons annually and reduce electricity costs by approximately 10 percent.
"At General Motors we understand that good environmental decisions are good business decisions and solar energy is a perfect example of this," said Elizabeth A. Lowery, GM vice president, Environment, Energy and Safety Policy. "The new solar arrays on our rooftops are reducing our energy costs and carbon footprint, while providing green energy to the community."
"These projects represent cost-effective and turn-key energy management solutions because Constellation constructs, owns and operates the on-site renewable systems and customers enjoy stable, long-term energy prices," said Gregory Jarosinski, president of Constellation Energy Projects and Services. "Environmental leaders like GM recognize that with today's technology and the expertise of a skilled energy partner, sustainable solutions make sense economically and environmentally."
In August, Constellation Energy announced the completion of its first solar photovoltaic system in partnership with leading aluminum manufacturer Alcoa and DEERS, owner of the patent pending solar rooftop attachment design. The new system — a 588,000-watt, roof-mounted photovoltaic solar power system — recently began operation at the Alcoa Building and Construction Systems' Kawneer manufacturing facility in Visalia, Calif. Power is generated by more than 4,300 UNI-SOLAR solar panels.
