Solar

Around the world, renewable energy resources such as solar power are becoming an increasingly valuable part of the global energy mix. GE offers a 200W solar module and currently has a majority investment in the emerging thin-film company Primestar.

Environmental Benefit

A typical 75,000 square foot "Big Box" retail store in the mid-Pacific U.S., covered with GEPV 200 watt solar electric modules, would have the capacity to generate more than 1,100,000 kWh of electricity annually, which could power approximately 100 US homes for a year; this could avoid the emissions of over 670 metric tons of CO2 from traditional US grid sources, equivalent to the annual CO2 emissions of approximately 130 cars on U.S. roads.

Operating Benefit

A 100 kW solar electric installation of GEPV 200 watt modules, which could fit in an area smaller than two basketball courts, has the capacity to generate an average of over 105,000 kWh of electricity annually, avoiding the emissions of over 60 metric tons of CO2 from traditional U.S. grid sources; this is equivalent to the annual impact of removing 12 passenger vehicles from U.S. roads.

The environmental challenge

Governments in countries around the world are challenging citizens to help meet aggressive renewable energy targets. The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has initiated a program that will help to supply 20 percent of U.S. energy needs by the year 2030. In the European Union, similar targets have been set for the year 2020. Solar power generates electricity using a sustainable fuel source and with virtually no emissions.

GE’s innovative solution

A Roof Integrated Tile Solar system gives homeowners a way to add solar energy that blends seamlessly into the profile of concrete roof tiles. This simplified installation technique enables the solar array to be integrated directly into the finished roof.

Environmental impact

The global installed base of GE's solar electric modules has the capacity to produce over 97,000,000 kWh of electricity annually, which could avoid the emissions of nearly 60,000 metric tons of CO22 from traditional U.S. grid sources; this is equivalent to the annual impact of removing over 11,000 passenger vehicles from U.S. roads.