Solar panels with the ability to offset the power needs of 5,000 homes have been installed in a city in Connecticut. Kyocera announced the 5-megawatt AC (7.4MW DC) project in Somers, Conn.

“Kyocera solar modules have earned a reputation for being some of the most efficient and reliable in the industry, built on our 38 years of experience in manufacturing photovoltaic energy solutions,” said Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar Inc. “Based on that history, we know Kyocera modules can be counted on to continue yielding high energy output for the 20-year agreement and beyond, serving Somers Solar Center and the people of Connecticut well.”

The system’s solar modules offer an effective way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which scientists regard as a primary contributor to climate change. Somers Solar Center will produce more than 10,200 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean, renewable electricity annually, with a carbon impact equal to reducing oil consumption by 16,779 barrels ― or taking 1,503 cars off the road.

Kyocera boasts this new status as a U.S. solar project developer to follow the company’s lead in Japan, where it owns and operates a 70MW solar installation and will soon be adding another 30 to 35 additional smaller-scale solar projects providing an additional 60 to 70MW of renewable generating capacity. This past November, Kyocera opened a 1.6MW solar energy project at a school in Phoenix, Ariz. that will offset more than 60 percent of the school district’s annual electricity consumption.