Solar photovoltaic systems provide several benefits to building owners and managers including reducing a building's total energy consumption from central power generators, and decreasing demand for utility-based power during peak energy periods
Clean and Renewable
Electricity generated by solar PV is clean because it produces zero harmful emissions (e.g., greenhouse gases) as a byproduct of the electricity generation process. Solar PV is renewable because the fuel used to generate electricity comes from the sun and is inexhaustible - as long as the sun is shining, electricity can be generated with no reduction in natural resources.
Several Applications
Solar PV systems can be used in a variety of applications: remote power for telecommunications systems, portable power for roadway signs, and supplementary power for residential and commercial buildings.
Solar PV systems can be installed:
- On rooftops
- As an integral part of equipment, fixtures or structures
- In large, open field installations for generating large amounts of electricity.
Moving Toward the Goal
The Governor's Green Building Order S-20-04 mandates that State agencies evaluate the merits of using clean and renewable on-site energy generation technologies in all new building or large renovation projects. Incorporating solar photovoltaic technology supports energy reduction goals and achievement of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building certifications from the United States Green Building Council. Using solar PV also supports Executive Order S-3-05 to address the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Current Projects
Since 2006, 4.2 megawatts of solar energy have been installed at state facilities through a third-party power purchase program.
Agreements to install an additional eight megawatts of solar power at 16 Cal State University sites were announced in October 2008. The CSU locations include the CA Maritime Academy, Vallejo; CSU Bakersfield; CSU Channel Islands; CSU Chico (Phase 2); CSU Fullerton; CSU Humboldt; CSU Los Angeles; CSU Monterey Bay; CSU Pomona (Cal Poly); CSU Sacramento; CSU San Bernardino (Phase 2); CSU San Bernardino (Palm Desert); CSU San Francisco; CSU San Marcos; CSU Stanislaus; and, the CSU Office of the Chancellor, Long Beach.
Installed Projects:
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