A major solar project developed at global automotive supplier Vitesco Technologies in the Central Texas city of Seguin has been completed and commissioned. The partnership between Vitesco Technologies, San Antonio-based Big Sun Solar and Gonzales-based GVEC, is one of the first three-party power purchase agreements in Texas.
The solar project is built on 12 acres adjacent to the Vitesco Technologies manufacturing facility in Seguin supporting the company’s role as a leading international supplier of modern drive systems and electrification solutions for sustainable mobility. Through the power purchase agreement, Big Sun Solar builds, owns and operates the solar project, and Vitesco Technologies purchases from GVEC the electricity generated to offset its energy consumption.
The 2.6MWdc project is expected to generate roughly 4,800 megawatt hours per year through 4,800 solar panels, which use trackers to follow the sun’s changing position throughout the day. That will account for about 13 percent of Vitesco Technologies’ annual energy consumption at the Seguin facility. This is enough energy to power 330 Texas homes (avg. 1,800 square feet) per year and to reduce emissions equivalent to removing nearly 600 cars from the road for a year.
“Powering clean mobility is our mission, and that certainly includes taking responsible actions supporting our manufacturing processes to reduce the environmental effects of the automotive industry,” said Dr. Hans-Juergen Braun, global head of Operations for Vitesco Technologies. “This solar energy project owes its success to the dedication and vision of our team in Seguin as well as our partners with Big Sun and the GVEC. These initiatives and opportunities are driving our global footprint toward success and growth not only benefitting our company, but also our employees, shareholders, business partners and world as a whole.”
“This solar farm represents the combination of two previously different objectives: helping a global company meet its sustainability goals and also delivering a favorable financial return. We are delighted to join forces with Vitesco Technologies and GVEC to deliver this innovative solution,” said Robert Miggins, CEO of Big Sun Solar.
“GVEC is proud to be a part of this landmark project with both Vitesco and Big Sun. This sort of flexibility is an innovative example of how we are willing and able to support the sustainability goals of our commercial and industrial customers while also helping to strengthen the economic vitality of our south central Texas region,” said Darren Schauer, GVEC General Manager and CEO.
Vitesco Technologies and Big Sun Solar are also currently discussing opportunities to implement additional sustainable energy projects at the facility.
ABOUT BIG SUN SOLAR
Big Sun Solar helps companies, nonprofits and municipalities with facilities in Texas meet carbon reduction goals and gain financial returns by transitioning to solar energy. Their customer-centric approach has earned the trust of leading brands like Vitesco Technologies, Safran Helicopter Engines and Rush Enterprises. Additionally, Big Sun helps utilities design innovative programs to increase solar adoption within their communities. Big Sun was chosen by CPS Energy for the largest community solar program in Texas and by the City of San Antonio for the largest onsite solar project for a Texas municipality. Big Sun Solar is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. To learn more about Big Sun Solar, visit www.bigsunsolar.com/. Stay connected with @BigSunSolar on social media.
ABOUT VITESCO TECHNOLOGIES
Vitesco Technologies is a leading international developer and manufacturer of cutting-edge drive systems for sustainable mobility. With intelligent system solutions and components for electric, hybrid, and internal combustion drive systems, Vitesco Technologies is making mobility clean, efficient, and affordable. The product portfolio includes electric drives, electronic controls, sensors and actuators, and exhaust gas treatment solutions. In 2022, Vitesco Technologies generated sales of around €9.07 billion and employs a workforce of around 38,000 employees at 50 locations. Vitesco Technologies is headquartered in Regensburg, Germany.
Pictured: Vitesco Technologies solar project, Seguin, Texas. February 2024. Photo courtesy: Big Sun Solar. Access additional photos: https://tinyurl.com/bigsunsolar-vitesco-media
