Santa Cruz County buildings to get solar
SANTA CRUZ >> Construction is expected to begin this month on solar arrays at seven facilities owned by Santa Cruz County, with three goals in mind: Save money, create jobs and improve the environment.
The project began two years ago with the Monterey Bay Region Solar Collaborative Procurement Initiative and the Sustainable Energy and Economic Development Fund Program and is to be completed by March 2018.
Late in June, the county Board of Supervisors approved a 25-year power purchase agreement with SunPower Corp., which will do the installation at a cost of $8 million.
SunPower was chosen out of six proposals received for its financial stability and timely financing.
The first six locations will be:
• County Governmental Building, rooftop.
• Santa Cruz County Emeline Campus, rooftop and carport.
• Public Safety Center, carport.
• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, rooftop and carport.
• Simpkins Family Swim Center, carport.
• Public Works Brommer Yard, rooftop and carport.
A seventh installation array is planned for the new Rountree Detention Center in Watsonville.
The power will be sold to the county at a rate lower than PG&E’s, according to county spokesman Jason Hoppin, explaining where the savings come in.
Over 25 years, solar power is expected to reduce the county’s carbon emissions by 702 tons per year and save local taxpayers $10.7 million.
“This project saves money, protects the environment and produces jobs,” said Supervisor Ryan Coonerty in a statement. “This is a win-win-win for our community.”
Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, August 6, 2017 7:05pm
Author: Jondi Gumz
Read More: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/environment-and-nature/20170806/santa-cruz-county-buildings-to-get-solar
