Feb 10 2010
The activation of Pacific Northwest’s largest ground mounted solar power system was celebrated by SunEdison, REC Solar and City of Gresham on February 9. MEMC Electronic Materials’ subsidiary, SunEdison, and the leading solar integrator in the nation, REC Solar, made this solar system possible. The city was not required to pay any capital costs for the project.
During its operation in the first year, the 419-kW solar power system at the wastewater treatment plant in the city will produce more than 460,000 kWh of solar energy, which is enough to meet the electricity needs of 43 households for one year. More than 8 million kWh of electricity will be produced by the solar system over the next 20 years, which is enough to meet the power requirements of 780 U.S. households for one year.
The solar energy system is owned, operated and maintained by SunEdison. The system was supplied to the city with no costs for the taxpayers. The power produced from the solar system is purchased by the city through a contract. The solar system was developed through a partnership with REC Solar, SunEdison and with Energy Trust of Oregon’s incentives. The project, which created more than 20 jobs, was designed and installed by REC Solar.
Angiolo Laviziano, CEO of REC Solar, hoped that this project will be an example for other waste water treatment plants in the country to adopt alternative energy strategy, which will not only stimulate local economies but also create jobs.
Source: www.sunedison.com