Oct 9 2014
Today the City of Anaheim held a dedication ceremony celebrating the recently completed 2.4-megawatt (MW) solar panel system on the Anaheim Convention Center. The $5.7 million project managed by Anaheim Public Utilities was completed mid-August by Borrego Solar Systems Inc., a leading designer, developer, installer and financier of grid tied solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
The installation covers 300,000 square feet on the rooftop of Exhibit Halls A, B and C. With 7,908 installed solar panels, the installation will be the largest city-owned, convention center, roof-mounted system in North America.
The system will generate an estimated 3.6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually — enough energy to power 600 homes for a year. Anaheim Public Utilities is incorporating the project into its renewable energy portfolio. The installation marks the building's newest sustainability feature; the LEED certified Convention Center maintains a commitment to sustainability through initiatives such as an on-site recycling program, a farm-to-fork culinary program, an on-site composting facility and a rooftop herb garden.
"The City of Anaheim has always sought to take the lead with projects that demonstrate government entrepreneurship and this partnership reflects the success of this effort," said Tom Morton, executive director of the City of Anaheim's Convention, Sports & Entertainment Department. "We appreciate the partnership with our Public Utilities and welcomed this opportunity, which benefits not only our residents, but further enhances the Convention Center's sustainability program."
"Installing solar on the Convention Center furthers the City's commitment to renewable energy initiatives," said Dukku Lee, general manager of Anaheim Public Utilities. "The City was able to add a cost-effective renewable resource that utilizes the abundant sunlight we are fortunate to have in this region."
Borrego Solar, the designer and installer of the project, began construction in January. In total, the company has installed 60 MW of solar in California (more than 150 MW nationwide) and has another 90 MW in construction.
"Throughout the contract and construction process, we witnessed firsthand the commitment and enthusiasm of the City, utility and Convention Center leaders to ensure the success and quick development of this project," said Mike Hall, CEO of Borrego Solar. "It's communities like Anaheim that will enable California to meet its renewable energy mandates and continue leading the way on clean energy deployment."
About Anaheim Public Utilities
For more than 100 years, Anaheim Public Utilities has served Anaheim water and electric customers with low rates and reliable service. Anaheim Public Utilities is Orange County's only publicly owned water and electric utility.
About Anaheim
The City of Anaheim, founded in 1857, is one of the nation's premier municipalities and is one of California's most populous cities. Anaheim covers 50 square miles with more than 343,000 residents and more than 2,950 City employees. The municipal corporation's annual budget is $1.5 billion. Anaheim supports a thriving business community with companies such as Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., L-3 Communications, Pacific Sunwear, and Disneyland Resort. Successful sports franchises call Anaheim home, including Angels Baseball, Anaheim Ducks, the U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team, the 2012 Olympic Games Silver Medal winning U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team, and the Professional Arena Soccer League Anaheim Bolts. Anaheim also boasts world-class meeting and entertainment venues with the Anaheim Convention Center, LEED-certified and the largest on the west coast, Honda Center, City National Grove of Anaheim, Anaheim GardenWalk, and Angel Stadium of Anaheim. In addition, Anaheim embraces its vibrant cultural arts community, including the world-renowned Anaheim Ballet. Annually, Anaheim welcomes millions of visitors to the city, truly making it where the world comes to live, work and play. For more information, please visit http://www.anaheim.net/
About Borrego Solar
Established in 1980, Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. is one of the nation's leading financiers, designers, developers and installers of commercial and utility solar power systems. Borrego Solar's photovoltaic systems are efficient, reliable and cost-effective. With more than three decades of experience and more than 1,000 solar power installations completed—totaling over 150 MW—Borrego Solar offers a complete line of solar system design and installation services throughout North America. Borrego Solar was recently ranked as the #2 commercial EPC in the United States and the #2 commercial contractor in California by Solar Power World. For more information, visit www.borregosolar.com.
Source: https://www.borregosolar.com/