Oct 30 2010
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare has begun the installation of a rooftop solar PV system, which is the largest in the North American region. The rooftop solar array is being installed on the company’s Northeast Distribution Center in Pennsylvania.
The total capacity of the PV system is 3 MW, and the system is expected to generate about 3.4 million kWh of electricity annually. The solar PV system will help the company to save 3000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
For the rooftop solar project, approximately 11,000 solar modules will be installed. The solar array will produce enough electricity to satisfy the energy needs of the entire building, which is about 500,000 sq. ft. Each solar module measures 6 x 3 ft., and weighs approximately 60 lbs. All the panels will be arranged in a grid system in sets, each set comprising three solar panels.
The solar installation project has been assigned to American Capital Energy, which has planned to install 500 solar panels every day. GSK received solar incentives, as well as, government funding for the project.
Because of such clean energy initiatives, GSK has been named the fifth greenest company of the world, in the 2010 Green Ranking of Newsweek. The President of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, John Clarke said that they hope other companies would be inspired by their initiatives to save the environment.