Jan 29 2009
DuPont has installed its largest photovoltaic solar energy facility at its Pioneer Hi-Bred Waimea Research Center in Kauai, Hawaii.
The Waimea photovoltaic installation is comprised of 1,500 panels – made from several DuPont photovoltaic materials -- produced by Evergreen Solar and installed by REC Solar.
The one-acre array is capable of generating about 85 percent of the energy needs of the research facility. It is expected to generate 706,205 kilowatt hours (kwh) annually, or enough power for 64 average-size homes. By using renewable energy, the facility will avoid carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to about 100 cars annually and will save Pioneer about USD 200,000 per year in avoided purchased electricity costs. The installation, which was started a year ago, was completed and fully operational in December 2008.
DuPont has already installed photovoltaic solar power systems for its R&D and business facilities in Wilmington, Del., and Taoyuan, Taiwan.
“This installation is a great example of our commitment to be both a key materials and technology supplier to the photovoltaic industry, and also a leader of solar power use,” said Marc Doyle, global business director – DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions. “Our products can help make clean renewable energy a reality while also powering our facilities as part of DuPont’s sustainability goals.”
DuPont offers the broadest portfolio in the solar energy market with eight essential products. With more than 25 years of experience in photovoltaic materials development, DuPont is a leading material and technology supplier to the photovoltaic industry. DuPont technologies enable higher power output with improved productivity and increased solar module lifetime. The company offers a broad and growing portfolio of materials solutions for both crystalline silicon and thin film cells and modules.