BMW is implementing its solar energy program with the installation of solar panels fronting I-85, electric car charging stations and the grid to capture and produce energy.
A BMW official would not comment on the activities that are ongoing at the facility, costs, savings or timetable for completion and implementation. “The company is not prepared to comment at this time,” the official said. BMW Manufacturing Co. closes for the holiday season Friday through Jan. 2. The manufacturer is expected to release its plans for solar energy at that time.
Representatives of Southern Energy Management, headquartered in Morrisville, N.C., were installing the solar frames for the panels and the grid to capture and produce the energy today. The solar panels will be visible from I-85 and adjacent to the Zentrum.
Solar panels do not supply power when the sun is not shining.
Duke Energy provides electricity to BMW while Greer Commission of Public Works provides natural gas, water and sewer.
The Zentrum is a museum, meeting and events center that fronts I-85.
“I applaud BMW and its efforts to lead the charge for solar energy,” Perry Williams, Commissioner of CPW, said. “I am a big proponent of solar energy since God provided it for us.”
BMW revealed two electric car concepts earlier this year that it will launch in Germany, the BMW i3 city car and BMW i8. Both are BMW first production models designed as electric or plug-in hybrids. They will not have an engine that will partner with gas engines.
BMW has been aggressive in seeking alternative energy for its production facility.
BMW Manufacturing began implementing its “Gas-to-Energy” program in 2002, collecting, cleaning and compressing methane gas from the Palmetto Landfill in Wellford and transporting it 9.5-miles to the plant, compressing and then using it to power four gas turbine generators.
It invested an additional $12 million that included two new gas turbine generators capable of producing 11,000 of kilowatts of electricity.