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

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

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

October 2, 2025
Spanish waste management company Trabede and energy firm Greening Group will build a solar module recycling plant in Granada, Andalusia, Spain.
October 2, 2025
The Indian solar industry has 86GW and 182GW of solar cell and module manufacturing capacity, respectively, expected to be commissioned by 2027.
October 2, 2025
The European solar sector will lose around 5% of its jobs in 2025, the first contraction in employment for the sector in nearly a decade.
October 2, 2025
PV products using perovskite technology could assume a dominant position within the next ten years, according to module producer Qcells' CTO.
October 2, 2025
The Indian Department of Commerce has launched an antidumping investigation on solar encapsulants originating or exported from South Korea, Vietnam and Thailand.
Premium
October 2, 2025
PV Talk: Qcells’ CTO Danielle Merfeld discusses the imminent opening of America’s first integrated ingot-to-module factory and her belief in solar’s long-term strengths.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA