The Eastman Companies’ Eisenhower Corporate Campus in Livingston, NJ has flipped the switch on a 500 kW solar PV system. New Jersey is one of the leading states for solar installations. A portion of the solar system, 68kW, was installed on a hillside near the campus allowing those passing by to see the solar array. The solar system is just one aspect of the company’s sustainability initiatives.

The project was funded by a power purchase agreement (PPA) through Smart Energy Capital and was designed and installed by RGS Energy, a division of Real Goods Solar. A portion of the system is owned by Hudson Energy Solar who will also operate the system.

“As an Energy Star partner and a U.S. green building council member, this solar installation is the latest improvement undertaken by Eastman Companies as part of its ongoing commitment to going green,” said Peter E. Schofel, President of Eastman Companies. “Eighty percent of our improvements have been installed following LEED guidelines, and this complex is a LEED candidate.”

Abe Grohman, Chief Executive Officer of Hudson Energy Solar, added, “The Eastman commitment to solar power will help to significantly lower CO2 emissions over the course of 25 years, which is equivalent to planting over 10,000 trees, and reducing the consumption of 47,813 gallons of gasoline each year.”