Nashville-based renewable energy provider Silicon Ranch Corporation and Tempe-based First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) announce the selection of First Solar technology and products for the 12-Megawatt (MW)AC solar power project that will provide power to Aerojet Rocketdyne and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) in East Camden, Arkansas.
Silicon Ranch has selected First Solar’s advanced thin film modules and solar tracker racking solution for installation at Silicon Ranch’s Highland Industrial Park solar field adjacent to Aerojet Rocketdyne’s 1,200-acre manufacturing and test facility. Electricity from the solar generation facility will directly supplement Aerojet Rocketdyne’s daytime operations. Under a unique set of power purchase agreements, excess electricity generated by the installation will be released to Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) and integrated into the cooperative’s diverse generation portfolio.
“With its manufacturing facility in Perrysburg, Ohio, First Solar meets Aerojet Rocketdyne’s commitment to work with U.S. companies and support domestic development and manufacturing of technology that advances our nation’s strategic objectives,” comments Erik Didriksen, Aerojet Rocketdyne EH&S strategist.
“This project is on the leading edge of a trend by U.S. industrial companies to commit to clean, renewable energy,” said Matthew Kisber, President and Chief Executive Officer of Silicon Ranch Corporation. “Aerojet Rocketdyne understands that solar is a responsible choice from both environmental and economic considerations. It is a smart, enlightened strategic procurement decision. Silicon Ranch is proud to help them achieve that objective.”
Kisber said Silicon Ranch’s selection of First Solar was based on the company’s streamlined Module Plus solution, which is essentially a bundling of First Solar PV modules, wiring and mounting system, pre-engineered to optimize First Solar’s proven module technology. The Aerojet Rocketdyne project includes a single-axis tracking table mounting system, which allows the modules to follow the sun across its daily arc. This tracker technology produces up to 25 percent more energy than fixed mounting systems, and is a configuration preferred by utility-scale solar projects around the world.
“Silicon Ranch’s choice to partner with First Solar shows how this technology contributes to a competitively designed commercial and industrial solar power project,” said Dana Diller, First Solar’s Vice President of Business Development – U.S. “This market segment includes large-scale business operations seeking ways to save on energy costs while adopting sustainable, environmentally sound purchasing practices. First Solar enables power plant operators and owners to mitigate their risk and maximize their energy return.”
