Part of our renewable energy goal as a company involves helping other organizations learn how to successfully implement renewable energy strategies, said Rob Threlkeld, renewable energy manager for GM. Joining SEIA enables us to reach a pool of like-minded companies committed to making solar energy a significant energy source.
Last year, SEIA ranked GM as the No. 1 automotive solar user in the United States. It placed No. 13 among other companies, such as IKEA and Walmart, making significant use of solar power.
SEIA is thrilled that General Motors has made solar deployment such an integral part of their global sustainability practices, said Solar Energy Industries Association President and CEO Rhone Resch. Transportation and energy are intrinsically linked, and GMs decision shows the companys keen understanding of the synergies between the two industries. Were looking forward to having GM at the table to discuss how we can provide clean affordable transportation and energy options for the American people.
GMs solar arrays in the United States generated enough electricity in 2012 to power 800 U.S. homes. That number is expected to double in 2013. Its U.S. solar installations include:
- 1.8MW rooftop solar array at Toledo (Ohio) Transmission Plant <http://www.gmbeyondnow.com/2012/03/26/toledo-transmission-completes-phase-one-of-solar-project/> expected to generate 3 percent of the plants electric consumption.
- 1.237MW array on the rooftop of its White Marsh, Md. plant <http://www.gmbeyondnow.com/2011/05/18/gms-solar-power-play-in-baltimore/> near Baltimore one of the largest in the state generates nearly 6 percent of the facilitys electric consumption.
- 1MW solar array on the rooftop of its Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. distribution center. It was the first public solar project in the United States at 1 megawatt when it began operating in 2006.
- 900kW rooftop array on its parts distribution warehouse in Fontana, Calif.
- 516kW ground-mount solar array at Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly <http://www.gmbeyondnow.com/2011/05/12/an-array-of-light-at-chevy-volt-plant/> the largest of its kind in Michigan.
- 350kW ground-mount array at GMs Lake Orion Assembly Plant <http://www.gmbeyondnow.com/2012/06/18/general-motors-dte-energy-break-ground-on-solar-array-at-orion-assembly/> will provide enough energy to power the equivalent of 45 homes annually in Michigan.
In the United States alone, 2.1 percent of GMs energy consumption comes from renewable resources.
