The systems are expected to generate 1.2 megawatts (MW) DC of clean, reliable electricity for the city.
The solar canopy systems are mounted on canopy structures over parking lots at the city’s Irvington Community Center, the Aqua Adventure Water Park, and the Robert Wasserman Fremont Police Center. The solar systems are expected to generate enough energy to power almost 150 homes each year and avoid the emission of more than 500 tons of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to the amount of carbon sequestered by approximately 425 acres of forest.
The City of Fremont signed 20-year power purchase agreements with SunEdison as part of the Regional Renewable Energy Procurement Program (R-REP) led by Alameda County. It is projecting that the solar energy will save taxpayers more than $2.6m over the life of the agreement, and will result in a more than 5% reduction in city emissions following the completion of a fourth canopy system early next year.
SunEdison west coast commercial and industrial solar general manager Sam Youneszadeh said: "Fremont is making a positive impact on the local community by installing these solar canopy systems over several of the city’s parking lots.
"By going solar, the city is saving taxpayer dollars, reducing their carbon footprint and supporting local jobs. These projects are the result of the successful Regional Renewable Energy Procurement Program, which allowed cities across Alameda County to participate in the Bay Area’s sustainable energy future."
The City of Fremont mayor Bill Harrison said: "These new solar projects are a major advantage for our city in more ways than one.
"Not only will they reduce the carbon footprint from all of Fremont’s operations by more than 5 percent, but they’re also projected to save us $2.6m over the next 25 years! As an added bonus, the new solar panels will provide shade and rain protection for vehicles."
In addition to the three completed systems, SunEdison is currently constructing a fourth, 349 kilowatt system for Fremont, located at the city’s maintenance center. The solar system is currently in the design phase, and final commissioning is expected to happen during the first half of 2016.
Operation and maintenance of the solar structures will be performed by SunEdison Services, which provides global asset management, monitoring and reporting services.
