1.2 Megawatt solar electric power system opens in northern California

from SolarBuzz.com

Napa, CA, USA: College Dedicates 1.2 MW Solar Electric System; the Largest in Northern California

Congressman Mike Thompson joined Napa Valley College yesterday in dedicating a 1.2 MW solar photovoltaic system that provides power to meet 40% of the campus’ electricity needs.

New Napa College 1.2 Megawatt Photovoltaic System Supplied By PowerLight Corporation

The solar array, furnished by PowerLight Corporation, features solar cells by Sharp and generates equivalent electricity during the day to power 1,200 homes.

The system, sited on a field near the southern Napa River, was installed as part of the college’s ambitious facilities improvement project. Covering nearly 150,000 square feet, the solar electric tracking system will leverage an untapped asset — a floodplain that’s otherwise unusable.

“We’re delighted that solar power is being deployed here at Napa Valley College,” said Dr. Christopher McCarthy, President, Napa Valley College. “Our institution is committed to utilizing state-of the art technologies that lower costs, enhance operation, and help us achieve our sustainability goals.”

“Increased deployment of solar power should be one of our nation’s highest priorities,” said Congressman Mike Thompson. “Affordable, reliable renewable energy is critical for our long term economic and energy security, as well for the health of our environment.”

“By deploying a cost-effective, reliable, non-polluting energy solution system, we’re reducing our electricity bill, and contributing to the region’s overall environmental health,” said Dan TerAvest, Director of Construction and Campus Planning. “We’ve embraced solar power to contribute to California’s overall efforts to achieve sustainability and energy independence,” added Dr. McCarthy. “It is my hope that what we’re doing here sets a good example for universities across the country.”

“Napa Valley College is taking the right steps to help California meet its clean energy goals,” said Dan Shugar, President of PowerLight Corporation. “By adopting solar energy, Napa Valley College is generating clean, reliable power from the sun. Combining solar power and energy efficiency will enable the school to offset peak power costs statewide, which benefits all of California’s utility customers.”


The Panels Track the February California Sun

“Sharp is proud to be a partner on this project,” said Ron Kenedi, Vice President for Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group. “This solar array will help Napa Valley College conserve natural resources and save on utility bills.”

The solar electric system at Napa Valley College features PowerLight’s PowerTracker technology, which tracks the sun across the sky to maximize energy generation. The solar array consists of 5,565 high efficiency solar modules manufactured by Sharp, and covers a total of 150,000 square feet. The solar power system’s prime energy output coincides with periods of highest electric demand, enabling the College to substantially reduce utility peak period energy charges.

By avoiding the purchase of fossil-fuel generated electricity, Napa Valley College’s solar electric system spares the environment from tons of harmful emissions, such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide, which are major contributors to smog, acid rain and global warming.

Over the 30-year life of the photovoltaic system, the solar generated electricity will reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by 13,800 tons. These emissions reductions are equivalent to planting over 130 acres of trees, removing 2,700 cars from California’s highways, or not driving 35 million miles.