General Motors is claiming it will soon have the largest rooftop solar power array in the world on top of one of its factories in Spain.

When work finishes in 2008 the roof of GM’s Zaragoza car factory will be covered in 186,000 square metres of solar panelling, generating up to 12 megawatts of power.

“The Zaragoza project demonstrates proof that GM is actively accelerating our efforts to be part of the solution to the environmental issues and challenges facing our world,” says Gary Cowger, one of the company’s vice presidents.

According to Reuters the solar panels will cut emissions by 6,700 tonnes per year. AFP says the plant produces 480,000 vehicles a year.

The EPA thinks the average family car puts out 5,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide a year. So at a very rough guess these panels will offset the emissions of 1,300 GM drivers of the 480,000 a year it provides cars for.

At least they’re trying though.

Image: Getty