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SAS completes second solar farm in North Carolina

Business analytics software and services company SAS completed its second solar farm on the company's headquarters campus, collaborating with groSolar and FLS Energy.

SAS now operates two solar farms in North Carolina. Image: SAS

SAS's new farm has a capacity of 1.2 megawatts and will produce an estimated 1.9 million kilowatt hours of electricity each year. This, according to the company, will be able to power more than 175 average size homes.The farm consists of approximately 5,236 ground mounted photovoltaic panels, covering a total of 7 acres or approximately 2.8 hectares. The system includes a Ray Tracker that rotates the assembly for maximum sun exposure to increease sun capture by up to 25 percent according to SAS. Progress Energy will purchase the power generated from SAS solar farm.

The farm is located off Trenton Road in Cary, North Carolina, next to the first solar farm. The first farm has been in operation since December 2008 and generates 1.7 million kilowatt hours annually according to SAS. More than 3,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions are also avoided thanks to the first farm, in comparison with conventional electricity generation.  “groSolar applauds SAS and Progress Energy for recognizing that solar power is an economically viable energy source for America,” said groSolar CEO Jeff Wolfe. He added, “We are proud to be helping SAS save money on energy costs while protecting our environment with solar power.”