Sungrow supplies 60kw string inverters for Lockheed Martin's 2.25MW solar carport

Sungrow, one of the world's leading manufacturers of photovoltaic inverters, announced that it has supplied its 60kW string inverters to a 2.25MW solar carport owned by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT). Lockheed Martin joined Florida Governor Rick Scott, Duke Energy's Florida business unit president Alex Glenn and other local officials to celebrate the energization of the 151,400 square foot photovoltaic array covering the parking lot of its facility near Clearwater, Florida. The project represents the largest private photovoltaic array in Florida.

Lockheed Martin and prime contractor Advanced Green Technologies (AGT) broke ground on the project in March 2015. Since then, 7,260 solar panels manufactured by Hanwha SolarOne Company and Sungrow’s SG60KU-M PV inverters have created the 2.25 MW solar carport. AGT designed and led construction of the project, which was completed and tested by September 2015.

"This plant demonstrates Lockheed Martin's drive to be energy efficient and a responsible corporate citizen," said Leo Mackay, Lockheed Martin vice president of sustainability. "It's part of our larger effort to align our company with the demands of this century, including global security, advanced infrastructure and renewable energy."

“We are very pleased to work with Lockheed Martin to help create a more sustainable future for local communities in Florida,” said Renxian Cao, CEO of Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd.

The solar project will generate 3.33 million kilowatt-hours per year and save $6.5 million over 25 years. The covered parking lot will not only provide shade for more than 500 cars, but will also help the company achieve its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2020.

Located near Clearwater, Florida, Lockheed Martin employs approximately 500 people and 100 contractors who provide engineering, software development and other services for company projects. Lockheed Martin is Florida's largest industrial employer, employing approximately 12,000 people in the state. At each location, the company focuses on optimizing the use of natural resources and reducing carbon emissions through improved energy management. Lockheed Martin is currently considering building an additional solar carport at another location in Florida.