GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Group North America revealed today that its Hagerstown powertrain manufacturing facility dedicated a new parking lot solar canopy structure that generates clean, renewable electricity, while keeping vehicles protected from the weather.

The company said that it partnered with ConEdison Solutions and Entropy Solar Integrators on the design and installation of the canopy that is among the largest on the US east coast.

“The solar canopy is a great example of the importance the Volvo Group places on environmental care, which has been one of our core values for many years,” said Pierre Jenny, Volvo Group vice-president of powertrain production. “Working together with ConEdison Solutions and Entropy, we’re now able to convert energy from the sun into clean electricity to help power some of our operations.”

The canopy covers the plant’s entire north parking lot and contains approximately 5,000 solar panels and produces 1.3 megawatts of electricity that is delivered directly to the facility, helping to offset the plant’s electrical demand.

Entropy began installation and construction of the solar canopy back in the fall of 2014.

Volvo Group also announced it has entered into a 20-year contract with ConEdison Solutions to purchase electricity generated by the solar canopy.

“We are proud to work with Volvo Group and to help the company move a step forward in their vision to become a world leader in sustainable transportation through this significant project,” said Michael Gibson, vice-president, energy services for ConEdison Solutions. “Volvo is setting an excellent example for  manufacturers nationwide regarding the benefits of renewable energy installations like this solar canopy in Hagerstown, which will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the use of fossil fuels.”