Phase one of the solar array on top of Toledo Transmission.
This past week, engineers at GM’s Toledo Transmission plant successfully booted up phase one of their rooftop solar array that was announced back in August.
Working closely with local solar firm Solscient Energy, the project will be rolled out in three phases, with the total solar power measuring 1.8 megawatts. That’s enough energy to power 200 homes in the United States. When it’s all said and done, the project is expected to eliminate more than 1,600 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
“Since we made our announcement last year, we’ve been working to put in the panels and get the solar array up and running,” said Tom Wynn, Toledo site utilities manager. “This first step means we’re making the necessary progress. It will be rewarding when the entire project comes together.”
Each phase will consist of 7,200 individual solar panels covering 60,000 square feet of roof space and will generate up to 600 kilowatts at full capacity.
All of the major components of the system will be produced in the United States, with the majority of it built in the Toledo area. First Solar is producing the panels.
The sunlight will be captured by the panels, which will then distribute the electricity to the substation which, in turn, powers the equipment on the machining floor.
Phases two and three are expected to begin in May.
