The solar array will power the auto giant's factory in Martorell, Spain

Nov 25, 2013 23:26 GMT  ·  By

Automobile manufacturer SEAT is now the proud owner of a massive solar array that will serve to power its factory in Martorell, Spain.

The company has recently announced that construction activities have come to an end, and that it is only a matter of time until the array goes online.

Work on this green energy project began back in 2010. To make sure that the initiative did not disturb car manufacturing at the factory, SEAT entered a partnership with utility-scale photovoltaic plants developer and operator Gestamp Solar.

Information shared with the public says that the auto giant's brand-new solar array comprises 53,000 panels that cover as much as 270,000 square meters ( 2,906255 square feet), i.e. the equivalent of 40 football pitches.

This makes it one of the largest solar arrays owned and operated by a corporation in the world.

Some of the solar panels are installed on the factory's roof, and others hover over parking lots.

Costs for the company's SEAT al Sol project have thus far amounted to €35 million ($47.4 million), Business Green reports. However, the auto giant expects that it will soon get its money's worth.

Thus, the solar array is said to have a yearly energy generating capacity of 15,000,000 kWh. This output is estimated to be more than enough to meet a quarter of the energy demands linked to producing the new SEAT Leon.

Having the factory rely on green energy to such an extent is expected to translate into a 7,000-ton drop in the facility's annual carbon emissions.

Apart from investing in this environmentally friendly energy project, SEAT has equipped its factory in Martorell, Spain with a combined heat and power unit, thus cutting yearly emissions by 12,800 tons.

The company has further improved on its ecological footprint by opting to transport vehicles and car parts to and from the company via rail. This measure has led to a 2,000-ton drop in its yearly emissions.