Opel to build 446kW plant at Toray headquarters

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Opel Solar will build a 446kW solar power plant at the headquarters of Toray Plastics in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Construction work on the facility, which will be made up of 1650 PV panels mounted on 50 of Opel's TF-800 trackers, is scheduled to begin in spring 2011 and when completed it is expected to generate around 625MWh of electricity every year.

“The reverse tracking capabilities of the TF-800 also allow a more efficient use of the land by avoiding shadowing on the PV panels at any time during the day and throughout the year. The modular design of the TF-800 results in quick and cost effective installation by craft people without the need of special machinery or welding equipment, significantly reducing installation costs,” said Opel's COO, Frank Middleton.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

“Opel Solar is pleased to collaborate with Toray Plastics to bring solar energy to its facilities, starting with their headquarters, while also creating jobs in Rhode Island as construction begins,” said Leon Pierhal, Opel CEO. As the overall project manager leading the team responsible for construction of Toray Plastics' new solar field, we believe Opel Solar offers the best solar solution available, and that our work together will provide an excellent model for Opel and Toray to advance solar energy usage in the future.”

Pierhal, whose company recently changed its name from Opel International, hopes the success of the Rhode Island project will lead to future developments with Toray.

“Toray has multiple locations throughout the U.S. and are optimistic that our successful collaboration in Rhode Island may lead to additional solar projects,” added Pierhal.

The plant is Toray's first solar installation in the U.S. and is eligible for both Federal funds and state funds awarded by the Economic Development Commission for the State of Rhode Island.

Read Next

July 11, 2025
Solar firms submitted over 1,300 expressions of interest to the latest Italian government renewable energy tender, for a combined 17.5GW of proposed generation capacity.
July 11, 2025
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has revealed that several utility-scale solar PV power plants experienced curtailment of above 25% in the National Electricity Market (NEM) in 2024.
July 10, 2025
German renewables company BayWa r.e. has secured a €3 billion (US$3.5 billion) loan for 'operational initiatives and pipeline expansion.'
July 10, 2025
US renewables developer Invenergy has launched commercial operations of 250MW Fairbanks Solar Energy Center in Sullivan County, Indiana. 
July 10, 2025
US solar residential installer Sunnova has entered into a stalking horse asset purchase agreement with Omnidian for some of its assets.
July 10, 2025
A report published by the US Department of Energy (DOE) this week claims that the previous government’s support for renewable energy could cause blackouts to “increase by 100 times” by 2030.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 22, 2025
Bilbao, Spain
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK