Toray Plastics completes solar farm

AMONG the guests joining Rick Schloesser, president and CEO of Toray Plastics (America) (second from left) at the inauguration of Toray's new solar farm at its North Kingstown plant were (left to right): Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee; M. Teresa Paiva Weed, Senate president; David M. Dooley, president of the University of Rhode Island; and Keith W. Stokes, Executive Director of the R.I. Economic Development Corporation. / COURTESY BUSINESS WIRE
AMONG the guests joining Rick Schloesser, president and CEO of Toray Plastics (America) (second from left) at the inauguration of Toray's new solar farm at its North Kingstown plant were (left to right): Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee; M. Teresa Paiva Weed, Senate president; David M. Dooley, president of the University of Rhode Island; and Keith W. Stokes, Executive Director of the R.I. Economic Development Corporation. / COURTESY BUSINESS WIRE

NORTH KINGSTOWN – Toray Plastics (America) Inc. announced Wednesday the completion of its $2 million, 445 kilowatt solar photovoltaic farm at its North Kingstown plant.

Toray, manufacturer of polypropylene, polyester, and bio-based films, spends about $20 million annually on electricity.

The solar farm was funded through Toray as well as a $750,000 grant from the R.I. Economic Development Corporation’s Renewable Energy Fund, which is funded by a surcharge on electric bills; and $250,000 through federal stimulus money received by the state.

The farm has 1,650 photovoltaic panels which will generate 65 megawatt hours per year. Toray said it is the largest in the state and will curb its energy costs and reduce its CO2 emissions by 340 tons per year.

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The inauguration ceremony was held Sept. 29 with Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee in attendance as well as Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed; EDC Executive Director Keith W. Stokes; and University of Rhode Island President David M. Dooley, among others.

“This farm has been a dream of Toray Plastics (America), and a personal one of mine, for the past three years,” said Rick Schloesser, president and CEO, in a news release. “Its completion is a tribute to how government and business can come together to work toward a mutual goal.”

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