Michael Kanellos
A novel large solar project takes flight in New Jersey May 12, 2008 at 3:23 PM
Drug maker Schering-Plough is getting a 1.7-megawatt solar system for its New Jersey facilities in a deal that, to some degree, forges new ground in solar.
The novelty in the deal is that Schering-Plough makes medicines. So far, the big solar installations have mostly been commissioned by companies directly or strongly interested in seeing solar power grow. Sharp, the biggest PV maker in the world, put up a 5-megawatt system to help run its advanced solar manufacturing facility in Japan while Applied Materials, with its 1.9-megawatt system, makes equipment for the solar industry. Nellis Air Force Base installed (with MMA Renewable Ventures) a 14-megawatt system, but the government has an obligation to fund emerging industries and technologies. Who do you think is buying fuel cells? Google? The two founders have a personal interest in carbon-free energy.
Schering’s main interest seems to be in the fact that it is located in a state with great solar incentives and that the company has publicly committed to reducing its carbon emissions by five percent by 2012. It should be operational by the end of the year.
PPL Renewable Energy will design and operate the system on behalf of Schering.
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