Nov 4 2010
Colorado Springs Utilities (Springs Utilities) and SunPower have declared the signing of an accord to design and construct a 6 MW solar PV power structure at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) located in Colorado Springs, Colo.
The cost of installing the structure is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The renewable energy credits (RECs) and other ecological benefits related to the system installation will be shared equally by SunPower and Springs Utilities. The construction of the project to be located over a 30 acre site will commence this month and is anticipated to be functional by summer 2011
Solar Modules for Business
The solar structure planned for the Air Force Academy will incorporate SunPower solar panels along with the SunPower Tracker arrangement. The Tracker will constantly follow the motion of the sun all through the day and will receive up to 25% more energy than the traditional fixed tilt systems while considerably reducing the land needed for installation. The proposed system is projected to meet the rigorous engineering and design requirements of USAFA. The proposed system when completed and ready to generate solar power will offset over 9,400 tons of carbon dioxide discharges every year which can be equated to removal of nearly 40,900 cars from the roads of Colorado for a period of 25 years.
Jim Pape, SunPower’s residential and commercial business group President said that the 6 MW solar installations set over a 30 acre site will prove the capability of solar power to remain as a self-reliant and safe power source in the country. He expressed satisfaction about SunPower’s association with Springs Utilities and the Air Force Academy in the solar project.