Solar Power Partners, Inc. (Solar Power Partners) said that its recently-completed solar systems in the San Diego area have been operational and generating power. The new solar systems include an 878.22 kilowatt (kW) total system at the University of California at San Diego, a 357.32 kW system at Point Loma Nazarene University, and a 1.1 megawatt (MW) system at the Valley Center Water District.
Each solar facility was financed and developed using a solar power purchase agreement (PPA), which allows Solar Power Partners to own, operate, and manage the solar system for the length of the agreement, usually over twenty years. The host sites will pay only for the energy produced by the system and put no cash upfront, freeing capital for other projects and stabilizing their energy rates. The company manages each facility through its dedicated asset management team, which uses real-time data monitoring to provide detailed management profiles for the systems.
“SPP’s simple solar Power Purchase Agreement process and large portfolio of completed projects contributed to a strong, successful partnership. We’re pleased to work with SPP for the next twenty years and delighted to add solar energy to our alternative energy program at UC San Diego,” said Gary C. Matthews, vice chancellor, resource management and planning at UC San Diego.
The company takes a close interest in the technology, design, and engineering of the projects. Their in-house engineering, construction management, and asset management teams bring years of experience to each project so that design challenges are met head on and resolved and all phases of the project are managed. Their financial modeling will incorporate detailed site profiles and offers the best possible rates for the customer.
The UC San Diego facility is divided into two installations: rooftop and raised fixed parking structure. Solar Power Partners has modeled financial plans for the university to create a flexible, viable solar PPA. The project fit perfectly into the university’s green program, providing much needed-alternative energy to their green goal tally. The solar arrays are installed on the rooftop of the student Price Center and on the Gilman Parking structure, which is located at one of the busiest campus entrances. The new solar system has contributed towards the recent Climate Action Registry Climate Action Leader status for the university.
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), on a stretch of gorgeous coastline, improves a fixed rooftop system totaling 357 kW. PLNU is creating a renewable energy curriculum and the solar energy facility is an important part of their green outreach program. The system produces an estimated 704,980 kWh annually, which is equivalent to 506 metric tons of carbon dioxide offset.
Valley Center Water District is a 1.1 MW single-axis tracker spread of panels nestled amongst the hills. The system will take advantage of otherwise unused land and is composed of single-axis trackers, which produces a 20% increase in energy production compared with a fixed tilt system. The system has produced an estimated annual output of 2,101,876 kWh, which offsets 1,509 metric tons of carbon dioxide offset, or 171,283 consumed gallons of gas.
“SPP is committed to delivering solar energy at viable prices to schools and universities, water districts, municipalities, and other entities in the San Diego region. San Diego’s innovative, progressive green program and environmental stewardship is a great example of a region’s commitment to doing the right thing environmentally. We’re proud to be a part of that initiative with our projects at UC San Diego, Point Loma Nazarene University, and Valley Center Water District,” said Alexander v. Welczeck, president and chief executive officer, Solar Power Partners.