Applied to install largest Austin solar array

By Ann Steffora Mutschler, Senior Editor -- Electronic News, 6/14/2007

Further demonstrating its commitment to clean energy, semiconductor manufacturing equipment giant Applied Materials Inc. is announcing today in Austin, Texas, its plan to install more than 20-kilowatts of solar power generation capability at its Harris Branch manufacturing center, located there.

President and CEO Mike Splinter was on hand to make the announcement regarding the installation that will incorporate a variety of solar technologies. The project is scheduled for completion in August and will generate more than 33,769 kilowatt-hours (33.8 megawatt-hours) annually – thereby eliminating 58,370 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions and equivalent to planting eight acres of trees.

The company believes this installation will be the largest solar array at an Austin business site.

This installation also marks the second Applied location that will leverage solar power generation. In March, the company committed to installing 1.9-megawatts at its research campus in Sunnyvale, Calif.

Also at the event today, Splinter made a $25,000 sponsorship presentation to the Solar Decathlon Team at the University of Texas, which is building a solar-powered house for display and demonstration on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. in October. UT is among 20 universities participating in that project.

Austin was the place to be today as Splinter also attended Samsung’s 300-mm fab opening.