As part of its continued efforts to go green, Mars will unveil a new solar garden for its Ethel M Chocolate factory in Henderson, Nev., tomorrow.

At a press conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Thursday morning, Mars Chocolate North American and Ethel M will unwrap a new solar garden that generates enough energy to power the Henderson factory during peak hours.

“At Mars Chocolate North America, we have the opportunity to make a difference in the world,” says Mike Wittman, v.p. of supply at Mars Chocolate North America. “This newest solar garden moves us closer to our goals of eliminating our carbon footprint at our sites by 2040 and using 100% renewable energy.”

The solar garden, which is the largest solar installation by a food manufacturer in Nevada, features 2,112 ground-mounted solar panels on 4.4 acres located at the rear of the plant. The installation generates 1,258 megawatt hours of zero-emission electricity each year, offsetting 825 tons of greenhouse gas — the equivalent of removing 113 vehicles from the road.

The press conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony will feature remarks by Ethel M, Nevada government officials, Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen, Nevada Power and others.

Mars Chocolate North America, Candy Industry’s Green Manufacturer of the Year for 2011, also has an 18-acre solar garden in Hackettstown, N.J.

For more information about Mars, visit www.mars.com.