Eastman Chemical Transforms Industrial Land With Solar at No Upfront Cost

Eastman Chemical Company, through its Solutia division, is a global specialty chemical leader with more than 40 manufacturing sites worldwide. Renowned for its commitment to innovation, quality, and responsible business practices, Eastman continually seeks out solutions that reduce environmental impact and support long-term sustainability. By integrating renewable energy into its operations, Eastman demonstrates its dedication to advancing sustainability and setting new benchmarks for clean energy adoption in the chemical manufacturing industry.

The Challenge

Implement Solar Safely and Affordably on a Closed Landfill

Eastman Chemical faced the challenge of advancing its sustainability goals while making productive use of a closed industrial landfill at its Springfield, Massachusetts facility. The company sought a solution that would not only reduce its carbon footprint and energy costs but also transform underutilized land into a valuable asset. Eastman needed a partner that could deliver a cost-effective, large-scale solar installation that would integrate seamlessly with ongoing operations.

PowerFlex’s Solution

Dual-Installation Types Financed With a Solar Lease

INSTALLATION TYPES

Rooftop Solar
Ground-Mounted Solar

INSTALLATION SIZE

2.5 MW

LOCATION

Springfield, MA

ANNUAL ENERGY PRODUCTION

3.1 Million kWh

INCENTIVE

MassachusMA Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC)-II Program

PowerFlex partnered with Eastman Chemical to deliver a 2.5-megawatt (MW) solar project at the company’s Springfield, Massachusetts facility. The installation features a ballasted ground-mounted solar system built on the closed industrial landfill, complemented by a rooftop solar array site on top of the facility. This innovative approach enabled Eastman to transform previously unused land into an energy-generating asset, producing 3.2 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable electricity annually. By leveraging the MA SREC-II Program and a solar operating lease structure, Eastman was able to go solar with no upfront capital expenditure, reduce its carbon footprint by 4.9 million pounds of CO₂ each year, and avoid the equivalent of 250,000 gallons of gasoline — all while supporting its broader sustainability and operational goals.