Toray Plastics Inc., a manufacturer of precision-performance polypropylene, polyester, and bio-based films for packaging and industrial applications, announced on Dec. 21 that it will begin construction in 2011 on a $2 million 446 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) field on its 70-acre campus in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.
The new solar field will occupy approximately three acres, consist of 1,650 PV panels with utility-scale single-access trackers, and be the largest solar-powered system in the state.
Toray estimates that the efficient clean-energy system, which is designed to produce a higher-energy output when compared with conventional fixed-mounted PV panels, will generate 625 megawatt hours (MWh) a year, help curb escalating energy costs, and reduce CO2 emissions by 340 tons per year.
In 2004 Toray launched a comprehensive sustainability initiative, which now saves the company 29 million gallons of water, 8.5 million KW h of electricity, and 10.1 billion BTUs annually.
Operational innovations have also contributed to zero landfill waste. In addition, the company's rigorous recycling program saves 285 tons of wood, 152 tons of metal, 59 tons of cardboard, and 46 tons of paper, bottles and cans annually.
