Lots of Solar Power in Toyota’s New American HQ

When Toyota moves to their new headquarters next year, the plan is to “catch a ray” as they say because the campus in Plano Texas will have a large solar project.

According to the company, a 7.75 MW system is expected to give 25% of the power required for the new headquarters. This kind of installation is one of the examples of Toyota’s environmental work in their attempt to gain a USGBC Platinum LEED Certification.

The general plan is divided into two phases. The first stage covers garage parking structures, about 2.45MW per garage and will be prepared by August 2017. The final installation of the third parking structure that will produce 2.83 MW is planned for December 2017.

“We are dedicated to making sure our new headquarters campus supports – even redefines – Toyota’s commitment to the environment,” said Kevin Butt, general manager, Environmental, Toyota Motor North America. “The Plano solar system will not only reduce our environmental footprint and educate team members about renewable energy; it moves us closer to Toyota’s 2050 global environmental challenge to eliminate carbon emissions in all operations.”

These kind of solar installations aren’t just reducing the necessity for grid power, but help the environment in on other ways as well. Approximate calculations estimate that Toyota will cut down carbon dioxide emissions for more than 7,000 metric tons per year with these solar panels.

Toyota had solar installations are in the countries as well. In 2008, Toyota displayed a 2.3 megawatt system that produces more than 3.7 million kilowatt hours per year at the North American parts center in Ontario, Calif. This means that 58% electricity necessary for the facility was produced.

One of the largest private systems of this kind was opened in 2003 in Torrance, Calif. This system covers 53,000 square feet of the rooftop.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi (Blue Springs), features a single-axis solar cell collection, installed in 2013, that produces a maximum output of 50 kW. The power generated by the array is redirected back to New Albany Light, Gas & Water, the local utility company, and ultimately transferred back onto the grid for public use.

In Alabama, the Toyota Motor Manufacturing, engine plant (in Huntsville) has two solar installations, a 16 kW system and a 5 kW system.

In addition to this, at Lamar Buffalo ranch in Yellowstone national Park, Toyota partnered on a creative system that integrates solar power generation with re-used Camry Hybrid battery packs thus providing sustainable, zero emission power to educational centers and as well to ranger stations.

Toyota Motor Corporation declared a 2050 Challenge, a set of ambitious environmental goals to reach beyond net zero.

For more visit: http://www.Toyota-global.com/sustainability/environment/challenge2050/