6 May 2015

Silicon Ranch selects First Solar for 12MW Aerojet Rocketdyne project

First Solar Inc of Tempe, AZ, USA says that its cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film photovoltaic modules and solar tracker racking solution have been chosen by Nashville-based turnkey renewable energy provider Silicon Ranch Corp for installation at its 12MWAC Highland Industrial Park solar field that will provide power to the adjacent 1200-acre manufacturing & test facility of aerospace & defense firm Aerojet Rocketdyne, directly supplementing its daytime operations.

Also, under a unique set of power purchase agreements (PPAs), excess electricity generated by the installation will be released to Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) of East Camden, Arkansas, 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 US companies and support domestic development and manufacturing of technology that advances our nation's strategic objectives," says Erik Didriksen, Aerojet Rocketdyne's EH&S strategist.

Silicon Ranch's president & CEO Matthew Kisber says that the firm's choice was based on First Solar's streamlined Module Plus solution, which is essentially a bundling of First Solar PV modules, wiring and mounting system, pre-engineered to optimize its 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. The tracker technology produces up to 25% more energy than fixed mounting systems, and is a configuration preferred by utility-scale solar projects worldwide.

"Silicon Ranch's choice to partner with First Solar shows how this technology contributes to a competitively designed commercial and industrial solar power project," says Dana Diller, First Solar's VP of business development - US. "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," she adds. 

Tags: First Solar Thin-film photovoltaic CdTe

Visit: www.siliconranchcorp.com

Visit: www.firstsolar.com