Jul 19 2010
Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) an autonomous, non-commercial organization has commissioned its largest solar installation in Milpitas.
This solar electric power system is owned and controlled by Tiog Energy a company engaged in offering renewable energy services to not for profit institutions, government agencies and commercial establishments.
The 240 kW solar installations comprise of 1335 photovoltaic modules installed over the parking slot shade and other roof top systems. The new installation is expected to produce enough energy to cover 33% of the total energy consumed by the animal community center of HSSV. During the financial year of 2011 HSSV is expected to save around $50,000 in energy costs by utilizing the power generated from the new installation.
The 48,000 square-foot animal community center owned by HSSV was opened during the month of April 2009. The new facility is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified and is aiming to become the first animal community center to receive LEED Gold Certification.
The animal community center has utilized more than 90% of concrete retrieved from old buildings in its construction and incorporates a heat recovery system and a cool roof to reduce expenses on solar heating during winter and save money spent on air-conditioning during summer and also incorporates technologies for efficient use of water.
President of HSSV Christine Benninger said they worked closely with Tioga during the design and construction of new Animal Community Center for the purpose of reducing the money spent on energy and to offer better environment to the animals and the public who visit the place. Currently, the community center displays the benefits of energy efficiency, water savings and how a building can be built compatible with nature.
HSSV has a solar power purchase agreement (PPA) with Tioga Energy and has completed all the installations without incurring any upfront capital expenditure.
Source: http://www.hssv.org