Richard Schloesser

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 (MW h) a year, help curb escalating energy costs, and reduce CO2 emissions by 340 tons per year. Funding for the solar field will come from Toray, grants and loans from the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation's Renewable Energy fund, and state and federal grants made possible by the Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Construction is expected to be completed by Q3 2011.