A dedication ceremony was held by the County of Ventura, Solar Power Partners, and Solar Power at the County’s Saticoy Operations Yard on 10th March 2010 to celebrate the completion of two photovoltaic solar power systems. The two solar energy systems were installed on two buildings owned by the county.
One of the solar power systems with a capacity of 334.56 kW DC was installed on the Fleet Services and Public Works buildings and the other system with a capacity of 157.44 kW DC was installed on Vanguard building. Both the systems have become operational and with a combined installed capacity of 492 kW DC, they are capable of generating 728,000 kWh of power in the first year of their operation. The systems also will prevent 523 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions in their first year of production.
Since January 2008, Ventura County officials have been exploring ways to install solar power systems at the County’s buildings. In 2009, the County selected Solar Power, Inc. to help turn their dream into reality. Solar Power in collaboration with Solar Power Partners financed both the systems. The systems will be owned and operated by SPP and the power generated from the systems will be bought by the County. Under the terms of the power purchase agreement, the County will purchase the power with no initial capital from it for the solar power systems.
The completion of the installation of the systems demonstrates the County’s continuing commitment to social and fiscal responsibility. It also serves as an entry point for the County into alternative energy solutions. Chief Deputy Director GSA for Ventura County, Steve Morgan, said the County is delighted to have completed the installations of the systems that provide clean, renewable power.
President of Business Development for Solar Power, Bradley Ferrell, said the company enjoyed working with the County’s entire team on this project, which will help to achieve their goals of cost savings. Ferrell further said the company is looking forward to working with the County again as they expand their solar energy initiative into other areas of its operations.