VW Flips Switch At Largest Solar Installation At U.S. Plant

Volkswagen AG switched on its largest photo-voltaic installation worldwide as the automaker builds on its U.S. auto factory's recognition by an environmental group for sustainable operations.

The solar park occupies 33 acres next to the plant in Chattanooga, TN, where VW produces the Passat mid-sized sedan for the U.S. market, and provide thirteen percent of energy needs during production hours, the manufacturer said.

The 9.5-megawatt solar setup will supply all the plant's electricity needs when manufacturing lines aren't operating, Volkswagen said.

The car plant, which opened in May 2011, is the first in the industry with top-level platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, which rates properties on how well they limit effects on the environment.

Silicon Ranch Corp., based in Nashville, TN, will own the solar park and sell the electricity to Volkswagen under a 20-year supply contract, the carmaker said.

German manufacturer Phoenix Solar AG built the system. Other VW plants using solar power include the main plant at Wolfsburg and a factory in Emden, Germany.