Catching some rays
April 2009
The City of Santa Cruz completed the installation of a 127.53 kW photovoltaic array on its Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant in November, 2008. The project, funded by the City Water Department, cost $1,373,900. The City is expecting an estimated $338,000 rebate from PG&E over the first five years of system operation.
The array consists of 420 flush-mounted and 234 tilt-mounted solar panels and will generate about180,000 kWh of electricity/year. This project is expected to offset about 223,000 lbs. of CO2 emissions each year.
Also in 2008, the City installed a 73.6 kW solar array on the roof of the former Georgiana Kirby School building in downtown Santa Cruz. This building now houses City Water Department and Library staff. The remodel project earned a LEED Gold certification. The cost of the solar array was $593,180 with an expected rebate of $130,000. Annual CO2 emissions offset is estimated at 155,000 lbs.
Contributed photo
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