ENERGY: Chevron Energy Solutions promotes solar energy in California

This appears to be a week of solar energy news, especially here in California. This article appeared in the Cable Directory, and highlights Chevron Energy Solutions commitment to advancing renewable energy sources. Some of the energy saving numbers are remarkable - hence the remarks!

Chevron Energy Solutions, a unit of Chevron Corporation, and the Contra Costa Community College District (CCCCD) today announced the completion of the first phase of the largest solar power installation ever constructed for an institution of higher learning in North America. The project is the highlight of a multi-facility energy efficiency and solar program that is expected to save CCCCD more than $70 million over 25 years.

The first phase is a 3.2-megawatt solar power generation system comprised of photovoltaic panels mounted on 34 parking canopies in six parking lots at Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College and Los Medanos College (the project’s first phase, at 2.65 megawatts, is completed; the final phase will add 534 kilowatts in 2008).

The solar installation is expected to generate about four million kilowatt-hours of power each year, supplying up to half of CCCCD’s peak electricity needs.

This renewable power will offset the production of about 5.6 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually – equivalent to removing 629 cars from the road or planting 636 acres of trees.

Additionally, the project will reduce grid power purchases of 7.4 million kilowatt-hours per year, enough to power about 1,200 homes.

(classic Bacsik)