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Owens Corning and SunEdison announced that this past September, the two companies completed the activation of a 440kW roof-mount photovoltaic solar system at Owens Kearny, New Jersey facility. The activation took place just one day before SunEdison was awarded the first energy stimulus grant in the solar industry, which came under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Brian Jacolick, general manager, North America for SunEdison said, “The Owens Corning Kearny facility raises the profile of solar adoption in the United States. The company’s forward-thinking view of solar serves as a model for businesses who want to control high energy costs while preserving the environment. Owens Corning also takes the lead with this solar installation as one of the first sites to be funded by the Recovery Act’s Section 1603 (Grant-in-lieu of Investment Tax Credit). The grant is a great stimulus to solar adoption and renewable energy, and we are pleased that this first project was developed with an industry-leader like Owens Corning.”

According to the long-term solar power services agreement, Owens Corning will have use of the PV solar system at its Kearny location, which will be financed, constructed and maintained by SunEdison. It is anticipated that this new system will generate more than 522,000kWh of solar power in just its first year of operation. Looking forward, the companies expect the system to produce more than 9.5 million kWh over the next 20 years.

“A critical part of Owens Corning’s sustainability strategy is greening our operations,” said Frank O’Brien-Bernini, Owens’ chief sustainability officer. “By using a zero-emissions solar system, we’re continuing our long-term commitment to operate in ways that are environmentally safe and energy efficient. This solar installation is expected to offset nearly 14 million pounds of carbon dioxide over the life of the agreement,” O’Brien-Bernini concluded.