May 4, 2007—Construction has begun at California State University, Fresno on a solar panel-topped parking structure system being built by Chevron Energy Solutions, a Chevron subsidiary, reported to be the largest of its kind at any university in the United States.
Photovoltaic panels installed atop 10 metal shelters that will shade more than 700 parking spaces from the San Joaquin Valley sun, will convert the sun’s energy into 1 megawatt of electricity. That’s about 20 percent of the university’s base demand and equivalent to the power needs of 1,000 homes, said Cynthia Teniente-Matson, Fresno State vice president for administration and chief financial officer.
The $11.9-million project received approval from the California State University Board of Trustees last summer and is scheduled for completion by this fall.
The work will be done in phases to minimize the impact of parking lot closings on students.
Using alternative power will ease the burden on local power supplier Pacific Gas & Electric Co., and the entire California power grid, especially during peak electricity demand periods such as those that occur during very hot weather. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption by power generating plants.
The solar project also is part of the California State University system’s commitment to green programs, sustainability, energy efficiency and environmental education. For more information, visit the Chevron Web site.
