California Welcomes Two New Solar Power Installations

Two new solar power systems were recently completed in California. A 756kW ground-mounted solar power system in Oakland is the first utility generation plant at the Port of Oakland, and a 1.1MW system at California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) marks the largest photovoltaic (PV) -paneled parking installation at a U.S. university.

Beltsville, Md.-based Sun Edison financed, built, and will maintain the Oakland solar power system. Under a long-term, predictably priced contract, the Port of Oakland will purchase all the energy generated as part of its continuing commitment to obtain 20% of its electricity from renewable sources. The cost for the $11.9 million project in Fresno was partially offset by a $2.8-million rebate administered by Pacific Gas & Electric Co. under the State of California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program. Under a 20-year contract, Fresno state will purchase power generated by the solar installation from MMA Renewable Ventures, a subsidiary of Municipal Mortgage & Equity LLC.