Leading Global Producer of Specialty Chemicals and Materials Promotes Sustainability through Solar

Eastman Chemical / Solutia Company Goes Solar

Founded in 1920, Eastman Chemical Company produces specialty chemicals and materials for everyday purposes. They have been recognized as an Energy Star Partner of the Year for seven consecutive years and have a robust sus- tainability program. Eastman partnered with PowerFlex to complete a 2,511 kW solar system on Solutia’s industrial facility in Springfield, MA. The project includes a ballasted ground-mounted solar system installed on top of a closed industrial landfill, in addition to a rooftop solar system.

Solar Photovoltaic System Specifications & Environmental Benefits

The system is made up of 7,512 individual solar panels and will produce an estimated 3,153,823 kWh of electricity annually to offset a significant portion of the facility’s on-site consumption. The clean energy generated by the project has the environmental benefits equivalent to saving 172,735 gallons of gas annually. The energy generated by the system will help Eastman avoid 3,361,975 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions a year.

Significant Financial Returns

The non-export solar system utilizes the Massachusetts Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) II program, which is designed to support the installation of 1,600 MW of photovoltaic capacity in the state by 2020.

PowerFlex worked closely with Eastman and all the project‘s stakeholders on this complex project. PowerFlex’s expertise in optimizing system design, combined with the available federal and utility incen- tives, yields all involved parties a rapid payback period and an attractive long-term internal rate of return.