Solar Set to Halve Mazda's Energy Bills

IRVINE, CA—Mitsubishi Electric‘s photovoltaic modules are now powering automotive research and development at Mazda North America’s research & development facility here. The diversified global electronics manufacturer, which has been in the solar business for 40 years, has supplied Mazda with 1222 PV modules for a 317kW solar electric system that is expected to deliver half of the facility’s power needs, while cutting its electric bill in half.

Mazda’s PV system was installed by Sherman Oaks-based Sun Integration. The clean energy produced over the system’s expected lifespan of 25 years will prevent an estimated 18.6 million pounds of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. This is equivalent to the emissions resulting from burning 19,625 barrels of oil. The project was financed in part by the federal business energy investment tax credit and the California Solar Initiative rebate.