Novartis solar panels
In 2006, the first Novartis solar panel array was installed in East Hanover, New Jersey (USA). This is a very attractive approach towards using renewable energy and lowering the carbon intensity of our energy supply.
Novartis strongly believes that careful stewardship of natural resources, in particular tight control of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy efficiency, is not only important for the company, but critical for global society and future generations. In 2005, Novartis made a voluntary commitment to reduce its global GHG emissions for the period 2008-2012 to a similar level as that prescribed in the Kyoto Protocol, i.e. 5% below the corresponding 1990 level.
As well as energy efficiency, Novartis is focusing increasingly on further reducing carbon intensity by fostering combined heat and power systems and renewable energy sources, such as fuel from waste, bio-fuels, or solar, wind and geo-thermal energy. Novartis has almost completed the switch of fossil fuels from oil or coal to natural gas.
The solar panel array at the Novartis US headquarters in East Hanover (New Jersey) sits atop the penthouse of a newly renovated building, located at the highest elevation on campus. The roof was resurfaced in 2005 with a white membrane, which reduces the roof temperature and helps to dissipate heat related to the photovoltaic power generation. The solar array is composed of 424 panels (1 030 m2), and is rated at 133.6 kW direct current (DC) at peak capacity. It is estimated to produce 500GJ annually, that's 10% of the electricity consumed in the building, and 0.15% of electricity consumed on the entire East Hanover Campus. The system has already shown that it is capable of reaching maximum power output, and has produced over 300GJ between May and October 2006.
Robert Ackerman, Executive Director of Business and Administrative Services, East Hanover: “We at the East Hanover Campus are very excited and proud to have the first Novartis solar array. It represents a further demonstration of our site and group-wide commitment to energy conservation and reduction of GHG emissions.”