August 14, 2002

New solar energy plant dedicated
By ROBERT McCOCKRAN, Vallejo Times-Herald staff writer

In a step toward Vallejo's energy self-sufficiency, city officials Tuesday dedicated a solar power facility that, most of the time, will produce all the police department's electrical energy needs.
There will be times, like when air-conditioners come on, that the new system can't quite handle the whole load, said Dan Thompson, president of Sun Power & Geothermal Energy Co., Inc. (SPG) & Geothermal Energy of San Rafael. But the city's energy accounts will be credited for any energy it produces, he said.

"This will create on average 150 kilowatt hours a day, 365 days a year," Thompson said.

The facility is part of an energy program city officials developed during the energy crisis.

This is phase one, said City Manager David Martinez.

"We're coming back with solar panels on the roof of City Hall and the JFK Library, which will reduce the energy cost," Martinez said.

The police department's solar cell system, located behind the headquarters, consists of 308 modules made by BP Solar Inc. of Fairfield, Thompson explained. The system includes trace inverters that convert direct current to alternating current, a transformer for the voltage and, a ounting system.

In a few months, the City Council will consider a proposal to run the city's water pumps in Cordelia by wind power, Martinez said. Pumping water at the facility now costs about $1 million a year.

And, BP Solar Inc. will be building a solar-powered mini plant to pump water off Columbus Parkway, Martinez said.

Thompson said the system cost $292,000 and the city received a rebate of $142,000 from the California Public Utilities Commission and Pacific Gas & Electric Company.

He said the system, which has a 40- to 50-year lifespan, is expected to pay for itself within 10 years. "We're happy to see the city's taking a forward step in renewables. It sets an example for other communities and, members of the communities," Thompson said.

"(With solar power) you don't have to worry about wasting and turning things off. You just make your own electricity. I do that in my home. So I can use as much as I want," Thompson said.

Robert McCockran can be reached at 553-6829 or at robertm@thnewsnet.com