Sunday, August 8, 2010

Solar Technologies Designs One of the Largest Solar Arrays in San Jose

Solar Technologies, a Santa Cruz, CA solar company, designed a $3.6 million solar installation for Power Integrations (Nasdaq: POWI), a leading high-voltage integrated circuit manufacturer, known for its energy efficient products. The company is headquartered in Edenvale Technology Park in San Jose.

The project is expected to reduce 10,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions over the next 25 years. The City of San Jose's Mayor, Chuck Reed applauded the company for helping the city achieve its Green Vision Goals.

Honoring the company's commitment to sustainability in the community, local government officials, U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, Council member Ash Kalra, and Silicon Valley Leadership Group President and CEO Carl Guardino was on hand at the facility for a "powering on" event Thursday.

When the project began in 2009, the scope was limited to the roofs of two buildings with a total potential of 200 kW. The Power Integrations team quickly concluded that their investment needed to cover a significantly larger portion of their usage. Solar Technologies determined that by using the parking facility, approximately 50% of their usage would be offset. A new plan was developed that covered a 44,448 square-foot lot.

As the scope of the system grew, Solar Technologies called upon two established solar partners – Atlas-Pellizzari Electric of Redwood City and Legacy Roofing of San Jose. Atlas-Pellizzari took over the responsibilities for system construction with Legacy managing the construction of the parking structures.

“Large commercial solar PV installations require the teamwork of multiple disciplines. Solar is a long term investment that requires full consideration of the vendor’s capabilities. Atlas and Legacy were instrumental in the success of this project,” reported Solar Technologies’ Commercial Sales Manager, Kent Bossange.

The finished project provides shaded areas for vehicle parking, while producing clean energy to power the facility and reduce electric bills. Balu Balakrishnan, president and CEO of Power Integrations, estimates that the system will pay for itself in twelve years through accumulated energy savings.

Power Integrations is committed to energy efficiency compliance and the company made a bold move with this sizable installation. The array uses 2,531 Sharp panels and two SatCon inverters.

The system will power two buildings, including their chip testing operations with 100 employees and produce lighting for their parking facilities. The project is expected to reduce 10,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions over the next 25 years.

"We are proud to be part of this project, working with an innovative company who is setting new standards for resource conservation in Silicon Valley. With a system of this magnitude, Power Integrations has established its position as a role-model for a sustainable future," said Matt Ledna, Director of Sales and Marketing at Solar Technologies.

The City of San Jose's Mayor, Chuck Reed applauded the company for helping the city achieve its Green Vision Goals.

SOURCE

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