Johnson Controls Completes 12kW Solar Power Project at U.S. Penitentiary

The 12kW grid-tied solar power system includes 72 photovoltaic modules, rated at 170 watts each, and three 4kW solar inverters. According to Bill Guiney, Johnson Controls solar program manager, the system will generate 20,351 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, offsetting more than 28,491 lbs of CO₂. This CO₂ offset is equivalent to preventing the emissions from the combustion of nearly 1,500 gallons of gasoline.

The parking structure also provides protection from the elements and promotes the use of solar power through its visibility. “We are proud to be working with federal government agencies to help meet their goal to use renewable solutions for at least five percent of their energy needs,” said Don Albinger, vice president of renewable energy solutions at Johnson Controls. “The project at the U.S. Penitentiary in Tucson is a solution that underscores Johnson Controls’ commitment to leveraging renewable energy in every appropriate application—in this case for both energy and shade in a hot Arizona climate.”

Johnson Controls incorporated a series of parking shade structures to support the solar power system. The parking structure allows the mounting flexibility needed for the PV system and increased awareness for the renewable project, as the structures are visible from the street level. The USP/FPC is 10 miles southeast of the City of Tucson. It is comprised of a high-security institution with living and support facilities for 960 inmates and a minimum-security institution with facilities for 128 inmates. It contains more than 25 structures, including six interconnected general inmate housing units and one special housing unit.  

About Johnson Controls:Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) is the global leader that brings ingenuity to the places where people live, work and travel. By integrating technologies, products and services, we create smart environments that redefine the relationships between people and their surroundings. Our team of 140,000 employees creates a more comfortable, safe and sustainable world through our products and services for more than 200 million vehicles, 12 million homes and one million commercial buildings. Our commitment to sustainability drives our environmental stewardship, good corporate citizenship in our workplaces and communities, and the products and services we provide to customers.