If you’re considering a solar electric generating system but need assurance about the reliability of solar power, take note.

KyoceraSolar Inc. announced that its 500-kilowatt (kW) solar array at the PPLRenewable Energy Park in Camden County, N.J., has exceeded performanceexpectations consistently since it began operating in September 2006.The system is part of a major initiative to adopt renewable energy atthe county’s Pennsauken Landfill.

“The 2,500 Kyocera KC200modules are performing at 105 percent of expected output after nearlythree years of operation,” said Steve Gabrielle, PPL Renewable Energy’sdirector. “Each year, this system is producing about 30,000 kilowatthours (kWh) more than planned.”

In total, this installationproduces 630,000 kWh annually, enough to power 72 typical area homeswhile offsetting 198 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions — theequivalent of taking 36 cars off the road and saving 900 barrels of oileach year.

“We’re very pleased that our collaboration withKyocera resulted in an installation that is over-performing,” Gabriellecontinued. “That’s great news for PPL, its energy customers, and thestate of New Jersey. This partnership is an example of PPL’s commitmentto renewable energy options in cultivating the next generation ofpower.”

PPL Renewable Energy is one of the largestowner-operators of renewable energy projects on the US East Coast. The5.4 megawatt PPL Renewable Energy Park is composed of three solar powerinstallations and one landfill gas generating plant built by PPLRenewable Energy, a subsidiary of PPL Corp. Two of the four plantsfeature solar energy systems comprised of Kyocera solar modules.

“Kyocerais committed to environmental preservation and providing quality solarenergy solutions to the world,” said Chris Brown, sales manager forKyocera Solar, Inc. “For this reason, we are pleased to have Kyocera’ssolar modules utilized as one of the key technologies demonstrated inthe PPL Renewable Energy Park.”