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07/08/2008 07:55 AM

GM Factory To Have World's Largest Solar Power System

SustainableBusiness.com News

Plans were announced today for the construction of what will be the world's largest photovoltaic solar energy system on the roof of the General Motors (NYSE: GM) 2 million-square foot manufacturing plant in Figueruelas, Zaragoza, Spain.

The 12-megawatt (MW) system will have about 85,000 solar panels, capable of providing about a quarter of the electricity needed by the facility during peak times. The system is expected to be operatioal in fall 2008.

The solar panels will employ thin-film flexible solar laminates provided by Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD) (Nasdaq: ENER). ECD's solar laminates also power GM parts warehouses in Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana, California, two of the largest rooftop solar power installations in the United States.

GM will lease its roof space to Clairvoyant Energy and Veolia Environnement (NYSE: VE), who will build, own and operate the rooftop solar installation.

The Financial Times reported that the investment in the solar system will cost about $78.5 million, and that GM is considering similar projects for its other 19 plants in Europe.

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