SAS plans additional 1.2 megawatt solar farm

CARY, USA: SAS, the leader in business analytics software and services, working with groSolar and FLS Energy, will develop a second solar farm on the company’'s Cary, NC, headquarters campus.

Scheduled for completion by late March 2010, the 1.2 megawatt capacity addition will generate an estimated 1.9 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually, enough to power more than 200 homes.

SAS Solar Farm 2 will comprise some 5,200 photovoltaic panels, covering about seven acres near the existing system off Trenton Road. The design of the system will take advantage of the natural topography using a sun-tracking system to optimize sun exposure and power generation. Progress Energy will purchase the generated electricity for the public energy grid.

“This solar farm demonstrates SAS’ continued commitment to protecting our environmental resources,” said Jerry Williams, SAS Environmental Sustainability Program Manager. “We hope other organizations will see this as an example of what is possible for them.”

Operational in December 2008, SAS Solar Farm 1 covers five acres and generates an estimated 1.7 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) yearly. Sustainably sourced energy from the combined systems will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 3,500 tons annually from conventionally produced electricity – the equivalent to the emissions from burning more than 367,000 gallons of gasoline.

SAS’ environmental sustainability program on its Cary campus also includes solar thermal hot water systems, regenerative drive elevators, two buildings currently under construction designed to achieve LEED-certification, water and waste conservation projects and active employee engagement efforts. SAS for Sustainability Management, launched in April 2008, helps organizations accurately measure and manage their environmental impact.

“This project is more proof that solar power is an economically viable energy source for America,” said groSolar CEO Jeff Wolfe. “We applaud SAS for recognizing that environmental preservation can be coupled with economic gain through solar energy implementation.”

“FLS Energy is honored to help install this landmark solar project,” said FLS Energy President Michael Shore. “The SAS solar farm enables FLS Energy to create more than 10 new North Carolina jobs. The new solar farm is good for the environment and the local economy.”