Mendota, California to Host Giant Photovoltaic Solar Farm Developed by Cleantech America Inc.
Source: Ad-hoc-news.de /07 Nov 2007
http://www.ad-hoc-news.de/CorporateNews/en/14078216/Mendota-to-Host-Giant-Photovoltaic-Solar-Farm-Developed-by
With higher than average days of sunshine, younger than average population, and enthusiastic support for green energy projects, the City of Mendota has been selected the site of what will be the largest solar farm in California providing emission-free photovoltaic (PV) solar electricity to an investor-owned utility, Mayor Robert Silva announced. The 5 megawatt (MW) utility-scale solar facility, dubbed “CalRENEW-1,” is being developed by San Francisco-based Cleantech America Inc., and will sell electricity to Pacific Gas & Electric under a power purchase agreement. Scheduled to begin operation in the spring of 2009, CalRENEW-1 will provide environmental, economic and educational benefits to the Central Valley, in addition to new jobs creation.
“We are thrilled to have been selected as the host of this important environmentally clean solar farm!? Mayor Silva said today during an announcement ceremony held at City Hall. ?We see it as a perfect fit. We want to improve our air quality, create new jobs for our families, and secure our energy Future by becoming self-sufficient. We look forward to a brighter future, thanks to our partnership with Cleantech America, Inc.”
“We couldn?t have asked for a better partner than the City of Mendota,” said Bill Barnes, CEO of Cleantech America Inc., which has pledged $20,000 to the City of Mendota for a new vocational education program to help train workers in solar power installation and maintenance.
“While many communities would like to be leaders of the ‘green tech’ revolution, Mendota has the political will and commitment to become a significant clean energy center. We have been very impressed by the leadership exhibited by Mayor Silva, the city council and the elected officials and economic development leaders of the San Joaquin Valley. And of course, with its great sun characteristics, the Central Valley is ideal for solar power,” Barnes said.
Also on hand for the event were Assembly Member Juan Arambula (D-Fresno); Pete Weber, Co-Chair, Fresno Regional Jobs Initiative (RJI); Steve Geil, CEO, Fresno Economic Development Corporation serving Fresno County; and Jeff Smith, Area 4 Representative for PG&E. Both Mayor Silva and Barnes acknowledged PG&E for its leadership in helping California meet its renewable energy goals, and supporting new green energy jobs, economic development and environmental improvement in the Valley region.
Cleantech America’s CalRENEW-1 will be one of the most advanced photovoltaic solar facilities in the world. It will utilize a variety of exciting photovoltaic technologies, while generating GHG-free peak electricity to help California meet its stringent renewable energy and carbon reduction goals. Regional leaders expect CalRENEW-1 will be a magnet for renewable energy-based economic development. Cleantech?s Barnes said the company is planning future solar farm development on nearby land within the city. Mayor Silva said, “The welcome mat is officially out in Mendota for green energy businesses looking to locate or grow in Central California.”
Barnes said CalRENEW-1 represents a template for the rapid growth of utility scale photovoltaic solar power in California. ?It has zero emissions, is environmentally beneficial and easily permitted, so it?s available near-term. And it is close to where the electricity is needed, so it can provide peak power when most needed, during the hottest times of hottest days of the year” he said.
CalRENEW-1 will be designed, built and operated by Cleantech America’s enterprise partner, the California Construction Authority (CCA), a California Joint Powers Authority which has 8 MW of photovoltaic solar in operation on 28 facilities at state fairgrounds and race tracks including the state-of-the-art 800 kW solar installation at the Big Fresno Fair.
Cleantech America?s primary business is generating photovoltaic peak power for sale to utilities, municipalities and other customers. For more information, visit www.cleantechamerica.com or Call Cleantech America at (415) 277-5455.