Solar panels to help power City of Mesa park
June 15, 2009 · Published By Administrator
Solar panels to help power park
Energy Resources Department – City of Mesa
Mesa’s Red Mountain Park just got a little greener thanks to a preliminary agreement between the City of Mesa and SolFocus, Inc. to install solar electric generating equipment near the park.
By 2010, 11 SolFocus Concentrating Photovoltaic arrays will be built alongside two existing arrays at the City’s Central Arizona Project Water Treatment Plant across the street from Red Mountain Park. These arrays will interconnect with the Salt River Project’s electric distribution system that serves the park, providing enough electricity for about 12 average Mesa electric residential customers.
The City expects this project to save $16,000 to $20,000 per year in electrical costs. The projected cost of the project, $558,180, is contingent on funds being granted by the Economic Stimulus program under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
“This project is the perfect example of the City developing a sustainable energy source,” Development and Sustainability Deputy Director Scott Bouchie said. “This project will also create and retain jobs and promote Mesa as an ideal location for such high tech business opportunities by using a local business like SolFocus for the project.” SolFocus’ glass reflector manufacturing factory in Mesa recently completed an expansion with full production expected in the second half of 2009 and an annual payroll of more than $ 7.5 million.
Currently, 20 percent of the City’s Electric Utility energy supplies are provided by renewable resources. Mesa is continually investigating more efficient and reliable energy solutions that will reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and adapt to changing energy demands.
For more information, visit http://www.mesaaz.gov/energy. For more information on SolFocus, visit http://www.solfocus.com.
Source: City of Mesa
Local Tags: Arizona, Mesa, Mesa Arizona, Solar, solar energy, solar panels
Filed Under Environment, Local News, Mesa Arizona · By Administrator
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[...] Solar Panels to Help Power City of Mesa Park Mesa’s Red Mountain Park just got a little greener thanks to a preliminary agreement between the City of Mesa and SolFocus, Inc. to install solar electric generating equipment near the park. [...]