As part of its sustainability efforts, Goodyear Malaysia recently installed 6,680 solar panels to power its corporate office as well as production plant in Shah Alam. Capable of producing 2.5-megawatts of power, the solar system is connected to six Low Voltage (LV) substations that is located within the plant and will be responsible for powering not only the manufacturing plant, but also the office and warehouse buildings.
Ben Hoge, Managing Director of Goodyear Malaysia said: “The installation of these solar panels solidifies our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and embracing a greener future for the Goodyear Malaysia factory. We are mindful of the impact that our business has towards the community and will continue to innovate to reduce this impact, be it in Goodyear Malaysia or across the globe.”
Each panel is made of 375W Bifacial Monocrystalline Perc Double Glass Solar Modules, capable of reducing electricity costs. The panels are estimated to reduce 1,980,433.37 kilograms of carbon emissions per year across 25 years.
The structure includes solar modules, inverters, Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), Alternating Current and Direct Current cable works, allowing for greater fluidity and control over the accumulated power. With this technology in place, Goodyear is set to reduce the electricity cost spending while boosting its green plant reputation by reducing the amount of Greenhouse Gas emissions.
“The solar panels allow us to significantly reduce the amount of electricity that we use. Currently, we are still purchasing electricity from Tenaga Nasional, but once this system is fully optimised, we expect that power can be channelled back to the grid,” concluded Hoge.
In line with sustainability efforts, Goodyear has also participated in tyre recycling exercise with its recent initiative of donating tyres to SK 20 Seksyen Shah Alam. The tyres were repurposed as decorative ornaments and pots for vegetables and flowers around the school.
