More Solar Energy in Southern California

Solar services company SunEdison is to provide two megawatts of solar generating capacity at three City properties in Huntington Beach, Southern California.
The deal will involve no upfront costs to the City, with SunEdison financing, constructing, monitoring and maintaining the three carport canopy photovoltaic power plants.

The company, which has its HQ in Beltsville, Maryland, will sell power to the City via 20-year power purchases from the installations at the Huntington Beach Civic Center, Central Library and City Yard.

Construction is expected to begin in spring of 2011, SunEdison said.

Aaron Klemm, Energy Project Manager for Huntington Beach, said: “We evaluated a number of ways to meet our municipal solar capacity goal. The Power Purchase Agreement model made the most sense for us as there are no upfront capital or maintenance requirements from the city, and we receive very competitive power prices.”

DOE
Initial research and consultation on the solar carport canopy developments was funded by the US Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program.

The three systems are expected to generate more than 63 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean solar energy over 20 years, enough energy to power over 5,900 homes for a year.

“SunEdison makes solar a reality for public sector clients like the City of Huntington Beach,” said Brian Jacolick, General Manager, Americas for SunEdison. “With smart solar programs, proven experience and strong financing capabilities, SunEdison is the clear choice for government solar solutions.”