Silicon Ranch Corporation selected First Solar technology and products for its 12MWac solar power project that will provide power to Aerojet Rocketdyne and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) in East Camden, Arkansas. First Solar will provide thin film modules and solar tracker racking solution for the project.

The Aerojet Rocketdyne project locates adjacent Silicon Ranch’s Highland Industrial Park solar field. The solar electricity generated from the project will directly supplement Aerojet Rocketdyne manufacturing and test facility’s daytime operations. Under a unique set of power purchase agreements, excess electricity generated by the installation will be released to Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) and integrated into the cooperative’s diverse generation portfolio.

“With its manufacturing facility in Perrysburg, Ohio, First Solar meets Aerojet Rocketdyne’s commitment to work with U.S. companies and support domestic development and manufacturing of technology that advances our nation’s strategic objectives,” comments Erik Didriksen, Aerojet Rocketdyne EH&S strategist.

Kisber said Silicon Ranch’s selection of First Solar was based on the company’s streamlined Module Plus solution, which is essentially a bundling of First Solar PV modules, wiring and mounting system, pre-engineered to optimize First Solar’s proven module technology. The Aerojet Rocketdyne project includes a single-axis tracking table mounting system, which allows the modules to follow the sun across its daily arc. This tracker technology produces up to 25% more energy than fixed mounting systems.

“This project is on the leading edge of a trend by U.S. industrial companies to commit to clean, renewable energy,” said Matthew Kisber, President and Chief Executive Officer of Silicon Ranch Corporation.

(Photo Credit: Aerojet Rocketdyne's facebook page)