Chocolate maker, home improvement company show their love for solar energy

In celebration of Earth Week, solar developer National Grid Renewables said that NRG, Home Depot and Hershey have each taken a stake in the 275-MW Noble solar + storage project currently under construction in Texas. The solar project includes 125 MWh of energy storage.

Home Depot and NRG have each executed individual 100-MW solar PPAs, and The Hershey Company has contracted for a 50-MW solar PPA. 

Noble is expected to start operating in the first half of 2022. During construction, Noble is anticipated to employ approximately 250 workers who will install hundreds of thousands of First Solar Series 6 modules which will generate energy. Throughout the first 20 years of operation, Noble is projected to benefit the community through the creation of approximately $26 million in new tax revenue, 3-5 on-site operations and maintenance jobs, and over $1 million in donations funded by Noble through a local charitable initiative. 

“The call to decarbonize our economy continues to grow,” said Robert Gaudette, Senior Vice President of NRG Energy, Inc. “We look forward to taking another step toward a more sustainable energy future. Through renewable energy and the support of local communities, we are able to provide our customers with more energy solutions.” 

“With this project, National Grid Renewables demonstrates how lower carbon, responsible solar electricity produced with American solar technology can competitively and reliably power iconic US businesses,” said Georges Antoun, Chief Commercial Officer, First Solar.

Solar in North Carolina, Too

In related news, Hershey also said it signed a 15-year PPA with BayWa r.e. for the output of a 20-MW solar project in Camden, North Carolina.

Construction of the new solar farm is expected to be completed in late July. 

“As we continue on our path towards an increased reliance on clean and renewable energy, we’re excited to partner with BayWa r.e. and National Grid Renewables to develop these solar projects in North Carolina and Texas,” said Jeff King, Senior Director of Global Sustainability and Social Impact. “Not only will these solar projects help Hershey to reduce its impact on the environment, they will also create jobs and help contribute to the growth of local economies and our commitment to reduce our GHG footprint.” 

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