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

Premium
October 10, 2025
Gaëtan Masson of IEA PVPS warns of overcapacity, collapsing prices and slipping module quality in the new Trends in PV Applications report.
October 10, 2025
The European solar module market has reached a “state of equilibrium” in recent weeks, with stable prices and regular demand.
October 10, 2025
US solar recycling firm OnePlanet has achieved the R2v3 certification from electronics sustainability non-profit SERI, which represents the “highest standards of traceability”.
October 10, 2025
NTPC Renewable Energy Limited has signed an MoU with the Government of Gujarat to develop 15GW renewable energy projects in Gujarat.
October 10, 2025
Australia's renewable energy sector recorded its slowest month of the year for additions in September, with 5.8GW of new projects added to development pipelines, according to data from Rystad Energy.
October 9, 2025
The Australian government has announced the results of the fourth Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) tender, with 6.6GW of renewables awarded long-term contracts.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK