November 20, 2002—Navy Region Southwest, the US Naval shore installation management headquarters for the Southwest region (California, Arizona and Nevada), announced November 8 that it has deployed the largest federal solar photovoltaic system in the nation. This 750 kW photovoltaic system is a unique solar electric carport at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California, which makes innovative use of existing parking space.
The installation is comprised of two contiguous solar arrays, covering a half-mile long parking structure that serves US Navy personnel. In addition to providing shade for parked cars, the system generates the equivalent energy during the day to power over 935 homes. This 750 kW solar electric system will reduce the demand on California’s power grid, as well as improve air quality by avoiding thousands of tons of polluting nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon dioxide emissions.
The 750 kW solar electric system was implemented as part of an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) project developed by NORESCO of Westborough, Massachusetts. The photovoltaic system was designed, manufactured and installed by PowerLight Corporation of Berkeley, California. This photovoltaic system will produce approximately 1,244,000 kWh per year and is expected to save over $228,000 in annual operating costs by avoiding purchases of expensive peak electricity.
This system is the latest renewable or distributed generation system deployed by Navy Region Southwest. Other installations include three solar electric systems totaling 130 kW, wind generating capacity of 675 kW on San Clemente Island, 120 kW of microturbine technology at Naval Base Coronado as well as several fuel cell demonstration programs.
