PowerLight Corporation
Press Release

Recent Activity  |  About  |  Blog  |  Contact
PowerLight Corporation Logo

Photo Credit: Napa Valley College's Solar Array

Article Tools

Add to Bookmarks  Add to Bookmarks Share  Email This Press Release Share  Share This Press Release View image gallery  Image Gallery (1) Printer friendly version  Printer Friendly Version

Advertise with us

Rated 0.0 with 0 ratings - Sign-in to rate this article
February 23, 2006

Napa Valley College's 1.2 MW Solar Electric System is Largest in No California

New Solar Array, Furnished by PowerLight Corporation, Supplies 40% of the Campus Electricity Needs
NAPA, CA

Congressman Mike Thompson joined Napa Valley College today in dedicating a 1.2 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) system that provides power to meet 40% of the campus electricity needs. The solar array, furnished by PowerLight Corporation, features solar cells by Sharp and generates equivalent electricity during the day to power 1,200 homes.

"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 Californias utility customers."
The system, sited on a field near the southern Napa River, was installed as part of the colleges ambitious facilities improvement project. Covering nearly 150,000 square feet, the solar electric tracking system will leverage an untapped asset a floodplain thats 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 nations 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 regions overall environmental health," said Dan TerAvest, Director of Construction
and Campus Planning.

"We've embraced solar power to contribute to Californias overall efforts to achieve sustainability and energy independence," added Dr. McCarthy. "It is my hope that what were 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 Californias utility customers."

"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 systems 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 Californias highways, or not driving 35 million miles.

About PowerLight

PowerLight Corporation is a leading global provider of grid-connected solar
electric power systems. PowerLight's turnkey solutions for commercial,
government and residential customers feature a full line of proprietary
solar products and technologies designed to optimize energy output and project economics.

Recognized by Inc. Magazine for five consecutive years as one of the 500 fastest growing privately held companies, PowerLight designs, builds and operates many of the largest solar electric systems in North America and Europe.

For more information about PowerLight and its products and services, please visit www.powerlight.com.

Image Gallery (1)

The information on this page was created and posted by the company identified above. RenewableEnergyWorld.com does not endorse, edit, or substantiate this information and assumes no obligation for this content's accuracy.

Featured Total Access Partners
Click company logos to learn more
Solectria Renewables LLC GoGreenSolar.com PVPowered Inc. IntertechPira Third Sun Solar and Wind Power, Ltd. American Solar Energy Society
WORLD'S #1 RENEWABLE ENERGY NETWORK
World's #1 Renewable Energy Network Logo