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 [Energy](/CSR-News/energy-0)

 # How GM’s Solar Power Use Benefits Consumers

 


 

 Jan 9, 2013 10:30 AM ET

  Campaign:  [GM Energy Efficiency ](/news/campaign/gm-energy-efficiency)  ![](https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/styles/carousel_2x/s3/images/solar%20arrays.jpg "Rooftop solar array on top of Opel’s Rüsselsheim manufacturing facility.") Rooftop solar array on top of Opel’s Rüsselsheim manufacturing facility. 

 

[GM BeyondNow](http://www.gmbeyondnow.com/2013/01/04/how-gms-solar-power-use-benefits-consumers/)

General Motors, which was recently named the [No. 1 automotive user of solar power](http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2012/Sep/0912_solarArray.html) in the U.S., generates 30 megawatts of solar power across its global facilities. By the end of 2015, the company wants [to double that output](http://www.gmbeyondnow.com/2011/07/28/general-motors-doubles-global-solar-commitment/) to 60 megawatts.

We have talked on this blog about how renewable energy sources provide numerous environmental and financial benefits to GM’s operations, but how does corporate solar power usage benefit the average consumer?

Here are a few ways.

**Driving Down Solar Power Costs**

Though the concept of solar power is not new, the solar energy industry is still in its infancy. Like most emerging industries, solar has obstacles to overcome to increase consumer demand – namely, improved efficiency and reduced costs. GM’s use of solar power at its facilities is helping to spur industry growth, which will ultimately lower the cost of solar power for consumers.

**Less Stress on the Power Grid**

In the U.S. alone, 2.1% of GM’s energy consumption comes from renewable sources like solar power. By harnessing the power of the sun, less power is drained from conventional energy systems, improving its efficiency and lowering utility costs to everyday consumers.

**It’s Good to Have Choices**

As solar power becomes more prevalent, this will open up consumers to something called [“grid parity.”](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grid_parity) Grid parity happens when the price of an alternative energy source becomes “less than or equal to the cost of purchasing power from the energy grid.” By introducing more renewable energy options, consumers will realize the economic benefit of having a choice.

**A Greener Planet**

Solar power is environmentally friendly, perhaps the most important benefit for consumers – now and beyond now. Solar power produces zero emissions. GM is [committed](http://gmsustainability.com/) to its role as a leader in sustainable business practices and corporate responsibility. A healthier planet benefits all its inhabitants, on the road and off. Our environmental success demonstrates that companies can grow while reducing their footprint.

Solar power innovations will continue to play a role in the bright future of GM and its customers.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 [![](/sites/default/files/Clients/106821423-1610125493528-Untitled-5.jpg)](/profiles/general-motors)

 



 

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