Boeing is setting a precedence for all large companies with its new solar installation on the 787 assembly building in South Carolina. When finally constructed it will be Ranked as the 6th largest in the United States. The building's roof, totaling an equivalent 10-acres, can produce 2.6 megawatts of power at peak times. For reference, that could power 250 common homes. This effort is due to a recent "energy partnership" with South Carolina Electric & Gas (SCE&G). President of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Jim Albaugh, had this to say about the effort, " Our 787 Dreamliner is manufactured using fewer hazardous materials and designed to consume less fuel, and produce fewer emissions. It only makes sense that our business operations in South Carolina reflect the environmental progressiveness of the airplane we'll build here."
The plan is to make the site to run on 100% renewable energy. Despite the 2.6 megawatts generated, the Boeing facility will still require more to operate. To meet the 100% goal, "green energy certificates" will be given from SCE&G to Boeing. In other words, they will get credit for renewable energy generated elsewhere. A little bit of cheating, but the solar roof is a commendable addition to the site.
Eavesdropper
pic via Boeing
