Chevy Volt Electric Cars to be Built with Solar Energy

Solar Panels at a Southeastern GM plant

When you are building one of the greenest cars on the road, doesn’t it make sense to use green energy?

At the GM Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant, one of the largest photovoltaic solar panel arrays in the state of Michigan will allow Chevy Volt electric cars to be built with solar energy.

The 516-kilowatt new solar project was announced this week by GM and DTE Energy.  The solar electricity generated by the PV solar panel array will be enough to fully charge 150 Chevy Volt electric cars each and every day of the year.

The energy savings estimated as a result of the solar panel installation at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck facility will save about $15,000 per year, over 20 years.

Bob Ferguson, VP of GM Public Policy, stated:

“This array will significantly decrease energy consumption by combining solar power with ongoing efficiency tactics such as lighting and equipment upgrades and automating equipment shut-down. Making sustainable choices is good for both the environment and our bottom line. Obviously cost savings is critical for GM, and the ability to save $15,000 per year while being environmental serves us well.”

DTE is investing $3 million in the solar panel array at Detroit-Hamtramck.  The project will be built pursuant to its SolarCurrents program that aims to increase demand for renewable technologies in Michigan.  At the Chevy Volt GM plant, the solar panel array will be constructed on an adjacent tract of land to maximize solar efficiency.  Overall, the project fits nicely into the leading use of renewable energy by GM, compared to others in the auto manufacturing sector.

Tags: chevy volt, electric cars, GM solar power, solar chevy volt, solar electricity, solar energy, solar power