Cummins installs large solar panel array at its North Carolina factory.

Cummins (brand)The Rocky Mountain Engine Plant (RMEP) in North Carolina installed the second largestsolar energybattery arrayThe

The RMEP solar installations will be built through the use of low carbonrenewable energyReduction of greenhouse gases in direct support of the company's environmentSustainable developmentStrategy “PLANET 2050”.

As part of the 2030 goal in PLANET 2050, the strategy calls for a reduction in absolute GHG emissions from facilities and operations by 50%.RMEP solar arrays and increased use of renewable energy sources will significantly help us get closer to this goal, achieving zero emissions throughout.

This mid-rangediesel fueland natural gas engine plant manufactures engines for more than 500 customers and is a major employer in Nash County, where it employs more than 1,800 people. The 3.62-megawatt solar farm sits on 14 acres and generates electricity that is delivered directly to the plant, reducing its commercialrenewable energyDemand.

The solar installation will generate approximately 5.6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually and produce over 136 million kilowatt-hours of power over 25 years. Each year, the solar system will offset the carbon equivalent of 4,862 acres of forest, roughly equivalent to the area occupied by Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

One of the unique features of the RMEP is the program's use of solar tracking panels. The system has a single axis tracker that allows the panels to arc and track the sun as it rises and sets. This improves the system'sefficiencyThe system was installed on the floor without the need to install additional panels. The tracking panels were mounted on the floor as the project had available space and was therefore able to maximize the size of the system for optimal exposure.

The solar arrays were installed by the RMEP Engineering and Corporate Environment team to reduce purchased power consumption.

Source: Cummins