SunPower said the solar power systems will reduce electricity costs at each site, relieving strained public budgets.
Two of the SunPower systems serve Rancho California Water District (RCWD) in Riverside County.
One of the RCWD systems is a 1.1MW system at the Senga Doherty Pump Station, and the second system is a 612kW solar parking canopy system.
In 2008, SunPower completed another 1.1MW system at RCWD’s Santa Rosa Water Reclamation Facility.
The solar power generated by the systems is expected to offset an average of 95% of the electricity cost at RCWD’s District Headquarters and 55% at the Senga Doherty Pump Station.
The other two recently completed systems include a 1MW installation for Castaic Lake Water Agency’s Rio Vista Water Treatment Plant in Santa Clarita, and a 983kW system for the City of Galt’s wastewater treatment plant.
Both use the SunPower T0 Tracker, and are expected to generate the equivalent of 90% or more of the facilities’ electricity demand.
Both were also financed through solar power purchase agreements with SunPower. PNC Energy Capital purchased the systems that SunPower designed, built, operates and maintains.
SunPower regions president Howard Wenger said water agencies and facilities typically have huge energy demand and a responsibility to rate payers to minimize operational costs, and these California facilities are no exception.
"With SunPower systems operating at about 25 water agencies and treatment facilities, SunPower is pleased to deliver the most efficient and reliable solar technology on the market today, with guaranteed performance that ensures these facilities lock in positive financial returns," Wenger said.
