Toray Plastics (America) is leasing roof space at its North Kingstown campus to Distributed Solar Development (DSD) for the installation of 1,332 solar panels, which will provide clean energy to Rhode Island residents.

The installation began in August and is being conducted by ACE Solar of North Andover, Massachusetts. Completion is scheduled for November.

Toray initiated this sustainability project with SolarKal, a top commercial solar marketplace in the US, which advises and supports organizations in simplifying their transition to solar energy. DSD is financing the project using incentives available through the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Growth (REG) Program, which is administered by National Grid. The endeavor offers another example of Toray’s commitment to environmental stewardship and the addressing of climate change.

The technologically advanced, highly-efficient solar panels will be located on several sections of the roof of the company’s Torayfan Division building. They will enable the generation of 700,000 kWh of energy (700 MWh). SolarKal states that that is equivalent to providing pollution-free electricity annually to 120 Rhode Island homes. National Grid reports that the new solar project will reduce CO2 emissions by 235 tons annually.

“We at Toray are very pleased to be in a position to help Rhode Island with its renewable energy goals and have a positive impact on the state’s environmental health,” says John Eustis, vice president, US Group Procurement, Toray Plastics (America). “The company is also grateful that the project will provide us with income that we can use to continue to help build a circular economy.”

He adds that Toray’s environmental profile is critically important to its customers, its employees and the Rhode Island community.

Eustis notes that SolarKal’s experience, comprehensive data and meticulous process informed Toray’s decision to proceed with the installation. “SolarKal has been an excellent partner since the launch of this project. They conducted an analysis of Toray’s facilities and technical feasibility studies, managed a competitive bidding process, supported state and local incentive application processes, and advised on contract negotiation,” he says. Eustis adds that DSD and ACE Solar are also responsive, accountable collaborators: “We are all aligned in our goals; it’s an outstanding partnership.”

Toray launched a multi-faceted sustainability initiative in 2004. It includes water and energy conservation, recycling, the production of zero landfill, and more. Current R&D is focused on the manufacture of flexible packaging materials that will help satisfy the needs and objectives of the major global food companies that seek sustainability solutions within the next decade. Toray’s parent company, the Toray Group, has stated its belief that sustainability is the most important global issue of the 21st century.