1MW Solar Array Commissioned in North Carolina

I had the pleasure of attending the ribbon cutting ceremony for ESA Renewables 1MW solar farm at Martins Creek Elementary School located in Murphy, North Carolina last Thursday (March 10th, 2011).

With temperatures in the low thirties and dense fog in the area, the morning of the ceremony was quite chilly for me, having flow up from Florida the previous day. Thankfully the sun chased away the clouds and warmed the day to a pleasant 78 degrees!

The 999 kWW array is installed approximately 500 yards adjacent from the school and is situated on five acres. It consists of approximately 4,382 ground-mounted Canadian Solar CS6P polycrystalline modules, which are known for their industry leading PTC efficiency ratings. The system will produce an estimated 1.3 million kilowatt-hours each year, which is enough to power more than 150 average sized homes. As well, the PV system reduces carbon emissions of 936 tons of CO2 a year, which is the equivalent of 4,681 trees sequestered annually.

All of the power generated will be sold back to Tennessee Valley Authority providing power to the local utility grid. Some revenue generated will directly benefit the school system for the duration of the contract.

About ESA Renewables, LLC
Located in Lake Mary, FL, ESA Renewables has positioned itself as a leader in the industry providing turnkey solar PV systems globally. ESA owns and operates a diverse portfolio of over 400 solar PV power generating facilities located in the United States, Puerto Rico, Spain and Italy.

Future plans for large scale PV farm implementation include the construction of commercial-scale power generation facilities in Florida, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey and Ontario with the first of these facilities anticipated to be operational in 2010.

ESA’s scope of services for these projects includes financing, engineering, construction, procurement and commissioning and long term operation and maintenance. With headquarters in Castellon Spain, ESA has additional offices in Florida, Puerto Rico, France and Italy.