US ethanol producer and marketer Pacific Ethanol Inc (NASDAQ:PEIX) said last week it has completed a 5-MW solar power system at its plant in Madera, California.

According to president and chief executive Neil Koehler this is the first large-scale solar power system installed at a US ethanol plant. The CEO added the system will lower the company’s carbon score and is expected to cut its utility costs by USD 1 million a year once fully operational.

The solar array at the 40 million gallon (151 million litres) per year facility in Madera is operating at an initial capacity of 3.5 MW. It will likely reach 5 MW in the fourth quarter of 2018 when utility Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is expected to complete upgrades to the adjacent substation.

 

Article by Renewables Now: Pacific Ethanol finishes 5-MW solar project at California plant