Renault Builds 40 Hectares of Solar Cells at French Factories

RenaultRenaultFrance, 1898 > present189 models
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has completed the installation of 401,500 square meters (99.21 acres) of solar cells at six of its factories that will produce a total of 52.6 megawatt hours of power. The cells cover roughly the area of 60 soccer fields. 

This system means that Renault has more solar cells in surface area than any automaker in the world. Renault believes that the photovoltaic system will reduce its factories' carbon footprint by 200 tons of CO2 a year. 

The cells are positioned at the factories to protect new vehicles as well. The cells are impact resistant and specifically made to resist hail damage. New vehicles will be parked under the cells prior to being shipped away. 

The cells were built and installed by Gestamp Solar. 

The entire system of cells could power a village of 15,000 people. 

Renault plans to build cell arrays at its Valladolid and Palencia factories, and it is conducting feasibility studies in Slovenia, Morocco, Brazil, Colombia, Chile and Romania.