Greentech Lead America: SolarCity, a provider of clean
energy products and services, has completed the first of a series of 16 solar
power projects totaling nearly 2.5 megawatts, for the City of San Jose.
Installations at Kelley Park (411kW), the Police Activities League Sports
Center (160kW), a municipal water office (30kW), and a service yard (95kW) are
complete.
“The City of San Jose is proactively embracing
opportunities that more American cities should be taking–to save money and
reduce pollution by using renewable energy. These projects are wins for San
Jose’s economy and environment,” said Lyndon Rive, SolarCity’s CEO.
SolarCity estimates the Kelley Park project alone will
save the city $27,000 in the first year and up to $1.2 million over 20 years.
SolarCity and the City of San Jose are also evaluating 14
additional sites for potential projects later next year. SolarCity will install
and maintain the solar systems for free, without any cost to the city.
SolarCity will sell the electricity to the City at a rate to be lower than it
pays for electricity currently.
“San Jose is a national leader in solar installations
and these projects will bring us one step closer to reaching our Green Vision
goals. Installing solar on City facilities is not just good for the
environment; it will also save the City money and support the region’s clean
tech economy,” said Chuck Reed, Mayor.
These solar projects will help the City’s achieve its
ambitious 2007 Green Vision goal to receive 100 percent of its electrical power
from clean renewable energy sources.