header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
April 16
1962 - Walt Disney donates bison herd to Hart Park [story]
Bison


A Honda Fit-EV electric vehicle next to a GE WattStation(TM) electric charging station, powered by Honda-developed solar cells. Honda has installed its own solar-cell technology at its motor sports engineering facility, Honda Performance Development, in Santa Clarita, CA. The 100-kilowatt, 800-cell array of thin-film "CIGS" solar panels will power several areas of the facility and reduce CO2 emissions by more than 60 tons per year.

American Honda Motor Co. Inc. today announced the installation of its largest commercial solar-cell demonstration project in the United States, at Honda Performance Development (HPD), Inc., the company’s advanced motorsports engineering facility in Santa Clarita, CA. The 100-kilowatt, 800-cell array of thin-film CIGS solar panels, manufactured by Honda Soltec Co. Ltd., are installed on the roof, carport, and loading dock canopy at the headquarters of HPD, where the company develops engine technology for the IZOD IndyCar series, the American Le Mans Series, the Le Mans Series in Europe, and other racing programs.

The Honda solar array complements other unique environmental technologies installed at the facility, as well as HPD’s plans for “green racing” motorsports programs. Honda Soltec is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Honda based in Kumamoto, Japan.

The solar demonstration project is one of Honda’s largest to date, providing power to several areas of the HPD research-and-development campus, while reducing energy loads and CO2 emissions. Energy produced by the solar array is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 64 metric tons annually, according to Honda estimates.

The system features a solar tracking system that allows some panels to follow the path of the sun and is designed to power an electric vehicle charger, demonstrating Honda’s vision for a sustainable energy management system that incorporates Honda solar cell and electric vehicle technologies. Energy output will be monitored in real-time through an internet-based monitoring system.

Honda has installed its own solar power technology at its motor sports engineering facility, Honda Performance Development, in Santa Clarita, CA. The roof top panels are part of 100-kilowatt, 800-cell solar energy system that will power several areas of the facility and reduce CO2 emissions by more than 60 tons per year.

“The installation of Honda Soltec solar panels along with an electric vehicle charging station at one of our most advanced Honda facilities in the United States represents a big step for us in our solar product development,” said Mike Hodge, manager of Honda Home Energy for the Power Equipment Division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “What we learn from this new project at HPD will provide real-world data and feedback on the use of Honda solar cells in a typical commercial application.”

Using a thin-film compound of copper, indium, gallium and selenium (CIGS), Honda’s next-generation solar cell requires less raw material and 40 percent less energy, and related CO2 emissions, to manufacture compared to conventional crystal silicon solar cells. Earlier this year, Honda Soltec introduced a new CIGS cell with a smaller solar panel design, adding to more efficient installation in limited spaces on a wide range of roof shapes. The conversion efficiency of the new solar cell module is expected to exceed 13 percent, ranking it among the world’s most efficient CIGS-based thin-film solar cells.

In Japan, where Honda first began selling its CIGS solar cells in October 2008, Honda is utilizing Honda Soltec solar cells in 15 facilities, including most of its factories and major R&D facilities, with a total output of 2.5 megawatts.

HPD is American Honda’s North American racing development and sales organization, operating out of a 123,000-square-foot building in Santa Clarita, CA. The two-story structure houses comprehensive motorsports research and development operations, including design, development engineering, prototype and production parts manufacturing, race-engine preparation and rebuilding areas, and a material analysis laboratory. Recently, HPD has undertaken a number of “green racing” motorsports initiatives, including developing and campaigning hybrid and alternative-fuel Honda race vehicles.

In the area of green-building technology, HPD already utilizes a thermal energy storage system that employs chillers to produce ice during off-peak evening hours, as well as using energy-efficient lighting fixtures with motion sensing capability, and a drip-type landscape irrigation system.

 

Installation of GE WattStation(TM)

Also debuting at HPD is the award-winning GE WattStation* electric vehicle charger that can be used to charge the Honda Fit EV battery electric vehicle, set to be introduced to customers in the U.S. and Japan in 2012. The Fit EV is designed to meet the daily driving needs of the average metropolitan commuter and incorporates the same five-passenger layout found in the popular Fit hatchback.

The GE WattStation is an easy-to-use electric vehicle (EV) charger designed to help accelerate the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) by significantly decreasing time needed for vehicle charging. The WattStation can charge an electric vehicle in as little as four to eight hours. Its smart grid-enabled technology also can help utility companies manage the impact of EVs on the local and regional grids.

 

Honda Environmental Vision

Striving to achieve the Honda Environmental Vision of realizing “the joy and freedom of mobility and a sustainable society where people can enjoy life,” in 2011 Honda established voluntary CO2 emissions reduction targets to address the critical issues of climate change and energy sustainability. At the same time, Honda introduced a global environmental image — ‘Blue Skies for Our Children’ — that draws directly from Honda’s environmental heritage.

In 2006, Honda became the first automaker to announce a voluntary goal to reduce global CO2 emissions from the use of its motorcycles, automobiles and power equipment products by 10 percent by the end of 2010 (as compared to year 2000 levels). In 2010, the goal was attained for all products. Honda has now set a new target, to be achieved by the end of 2020, to reduce CO2 emissions from the in-use stage of its automobile, motorcycle and power equipment product lines by 30 percent, as compared to year 2000 levels.

 

About Honda

Honda is a leader in the development of pioneering environmental technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions, including vehicles powered by advanced gasoline- and natural gas-powered engines, as well as gasoline-electric hybrid, battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell-electric vehicles. In 2010, Honda was named America’s “Greenest Automaker” for the fifth consecutive time by the Union of Concerned Scientists. In addition to fuel efficient vehicles, Honda’s environmentally-responsible product portfolio encompasses energy production and distribution technologies, including Honda CIGS solar cells and an experimental, solar-powered hydrogen refueling station in operation at the company’s North American headquarters in Torrance, CA.

 

About HPD

HPD is a subsidiary of American Honda and is the organization’s racing company within North America. Founded in 1993, and located in Santa Clarita, CA. HPD is the technical operations center for American Honda’s high-performance racing cars and engines. In addition to its commercial motorsports business, HPD is the single engine supplier to the IndyCar Series and spearheaded Acura’s championship-winning efforts in the 2009-2010 American Le Mans Series.

 

About Honda Soltec

Established on December 1, 2006, Honda Soltec, Ltd., is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., responsible for the development, manufacture and sales of Honda-developed solar cells. Honda Soltec began sales of Honda CIGS thin-film solar cells to residential customers in Japan in October 2007, and extended sales to commercial users in Japan in October 2008. Honda Soltec operates a production plant in Kumamoto, Japan, with the capacity of 27.5 megawatts, in operation since October 2007. Honda does not market its solar cell technology to customers in the United States at the present time.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

No Comments

    Leave a Comment


    Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
    California State University, Northridge will confer honorary doctorates on four alumni, all respected leaders in their fields, at the university’s commencement ceremonies next month.
    CSUN to Confer Honorary Degrees on Business & Education Leaders, All Alumni
    On Saturday, April 20, 2024 Valencia High School Theatre will host the 104th DTASC (Drama Teachers’ Association of Southern California) Shakespeare Festival.
    April 20: 104th DTASC Shakespeare Festival at Valencia High School
    The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, in partnership with Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, launched the Commercial Acquisition Fund to provide capital to countywide non-profit organizations, helping acquire and revitalize commercial spaces within local communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.   
    County Launches Commercial Acquisition Fund To Help Non-Profits Revitalize Commercial Spaces in Local Communities
    Supervisor Barger issued the following statement today, after the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to implement the Rental Housing Habitability Program
    Barger Issues Statement on Newly Approved Rental Housing Habitability Program
    The Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts will be holding a free Household Hazardous Waste and E-Waste Recycling event for Santa Clarita residents. 
    April 16: Free Household Hazardous Waste Event At COC
    The award-winning Valencia High School Theatre Arts proudly presents “The Outsiders” directed by Stephen Whelan.
    April 27: Valencia High Theatre Proudly Presents “The Outsiders”
    1962 - Walt Disney donates bison herd to Hart Park [story]
    Bison
    The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit affirmed a $68.5 million judgment Monday for SCV Water for the cleanup of local groundwater contamination in its case against the Whittaker Corporation.
    Federal Appeals Court Upholds SCV Water Judgment Against Whittaker
    Angelo Aleman smacked a pair of home runs as College of the Canyons concluded its three-game series vs. Antelope Valley College with a 10-5 home victory at Mike Gillespie Field on Friday. 
    Cougars Defeat Antelope Valley College 10-5
    Castaic Union School District is thrilled to announce that Lara Frandzel has been selected to participate in the Teacher Innovator Institute at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C
    Castaic Educator Selected for Smithsonian’s Teacher Innovator Institute
    The city of Santa Clarita’s exciting Concerts in the Park series, presented by Logix Federal Credit Union, makes its highly anticipated return this summer for friends, families and neighbors to gather under the evening sky and enjoy free, live musical performances on Saturdays from July 6 to Aug. 24, at Central Park, located at 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road.
    City Releases 2024 Concerts in the Park Lineup
    The Master's University men's volleyball team left no doubt about it as they swept the OUAZ Spirit 25-22, 25-14, 25-22 in the season finale Saturday in The MacArthur Center.
    Mustangs Capture First GSAC Season Title
    Join the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District online for an engaging conversation with experts in the field as they discuss the latest advancements and future trends in vector control Monday, April 15, from 6 p.m to 7:30 p.m.
    Register Now for Greater L.A. County Vector Control Fireside Chat
    In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Child & Family Center is presenting a series of four seminars for parents and caregivers of children and teens.
    Child & Family Center Offering Mental Health Seminar Series
    The University Student Union at California State University, Northridge is helping Matadors keep their peace during finals season with Crunch Time.
    Matadors Gearing Up for Finals at CSUN’s ‘Crunch Time’
    The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has been notified by the California Department of Public Health of one case of measles in a non-Los Angeles County resident who traveled throughout Los Angeles County from Saturday, March 30 to Sunday, April 1.
    L.A. County Sites Identified for Possible Measles Exposure
    California Department of Transportation, along with Valencia-based C.A. Rasmussen, continues to make progress on the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing.
    Wildlife Crossing Construction Prompts 101 Overnight Closures
    The Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival is expanding its 2024 Summer Season to include a weekend of performances at the MAIN in July by members of this summer’s youth Shakespeare Camp.
    Youth Show Added to Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival
    The 28th Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival makes its anticipated return to William S. Hart Park, located at 24141 Newhall Avenue, this upcoming weekend!
    City Announces Cowboy Festival Road Closures
    With the federal and state deadlines for filing and paying taxes approaching in three days, Los Angeles County is also renewing its focus on taxes, with a special focus on enhancing its property tax correction and reimbursement processes.
    L.A. County Aims to Speed Up Property Tax Corrections
    The Los Angeles County Development Authority will be accepting registrants for its Senior and Family Public Housing Site-Based Waiting Lists, including Orchard Arms Senior Apartments in Valencia, from April 15, 8 a.m. through April 30, 11:59 p.m., or until a sufficient number of registrations have been received, whichever occurs first.
    Orchard Arms Senior Housing Waitlist Now Open
    Live jazz music, entertainment by talented William S. Hart Union High School District Students, music by Lance Allyn, be treated to happy hour, plus six seated courses - each one created by a different chef from your favorite local restaurants and paired with fabulous wines, local and statewide.
    Wine on the Roof Tickets Still Available
    Local realtor, Racquel Wilder, is hosting a free community paper shredding event Sunday, April 21, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., in the parking lot of Congregation Beth Shalom.
    April 21: Free Community Paper Shredding Event
    SCVNews.com