HVAC Manufacturer Daikin Mexico Completes 1.2-MW Rooftop Solar Project at San Luis Potosi Complex
The Mexican subsidiary of global HVAC solutions firm Daikin Industries has completed a 1.2-MW rooftop solar project at its San Luis Potosi manufacturing complex.
ForeFront Power was the developer and will remain asset manager and owner for the newly installed solar energy arrays. The direct-current solar energy can generate approximately 1.18 million-kWh of renewable electricity annually at Daikin Manufacturing Mexico’s two production plants within the Millennium Industrial Park in San Luise Potosi.
“Expanding our solar capacity in San Luis Potosí is a strategic step toward realizing Daikin’s Environmental Vision 2050 of achieving carbon neutrality across our business by mid-century,” said Miguel Medina, DMMX Senior Plant Director, Residential Business. “These projects with ForeFront Power demonstrate how manufacturers in Mexico and around the world can take control of their energy costs and reduce supply chain emissions.”
Daikin Industries estimates the on-site solar power will help reduce CO2 emissions by nearly 900 metric tons per year, equal to the air pollution of more than 880,000 pounds of coal burned. The added clean energy is also a net positive for local air quality, with its carbon offset equivalent to removing 180 gas-powered passenger vehicles from the road each year, according to the companies.
The project was delivered at no upfront cost to Daikin Manufacturing Mexico. While ForeFront Power owns and maintains the system, DMMX purchases the electricity at a fixed, lower rate than the utility for electricity providing long-term budget predictability and protection from utility rate increases, through a 10-year power purchase agreement.
Japanese-based Daikin just opened a third manufacturing plant on its San Luis Potosi campus. The factory projects have created more than 3,000 jobs and now includes a research and development laboratory focused on sustainable technologies such as the R32 refrigerant, inverter compressor systems and heat pumps, according to a report on the Pro Mexico Industry website.