UNI-SOLAR Powers Boeing Dreamliner Assembly Plant in South Carolina

United Solar, the global manufacturer of UNI-SOLAR lightweight, flexible solar modules and a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD), announced that Baker Renewable Energy has completed the installation of a 2.6 megawatt (MW) system containing its photovoltaic laminates on the roof of Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner jet assembly plant located in North Charleston, SC.

“We are very pleased with the results of the project. The design, installation and commissioning of the system went as planned. We are very proud of the team effort put in by SCANA and Baker Renewable Energy to execute this for Boeing,” said Jason Epstein, executive vice president of Baker Renewable Energy.

As one of the largest rooftop solar installations in the U.S., the 2.6 MW project is expected to offset both a significant percentage of the building usage and 3,660 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. In addition, the energy generation is projected to be over 3,950 MWh per year and is enough to supply power to nearly 870 homes. The assembly plant was operational this past July and the first 787 Dreamliner to be built there will take flight in mid-2012.

“United Solar is proud to have been selected by Baker Renewable Energy for this 2.6 MW rooftop installation, highlighting Boeing’s commitment to clean, renewable solar energy,” said Julian Hawkins, president and CEO of ECD, parent company of United Solar. “UNI-SOLAR PV laminates are engineered to be building-integrated, ultra-lightweight and non-reflective making them ideally suited for large buildings around airports where low profile, lightweight, and low glare solar solutions are needed. The Baker Renewable Energy team has done a world class job bonding our laminates to Boeing’s membrane roof and executing on this project.”