Siemens to install a 1 megawatt solar energy system in Greater Sacromento area
Siemens Advances Sustainability In Sacramento With Renewable Energy at Light Rail Manufacturing Facility – First privately owned company in the Greater Sacramento Area to install a 1 megawatt solar energy system
Sacromento, CA, April 21, 2008
Source: Siemens Transport Systems Inc, press release/PRNewswire
http://press.siemens.us/index.php?s=43&item=894
Siemens Transportation Systems Inc. (STS), part of the Siemens Mobility Division, approved the installation of a 1 megawatt (MW) solar energy system at its Sacramento light rail manufacturing facility to be completed by mid- to late-October 2008. STS is the first privately owned company in California’s capitol to install a photovoltaic system of this magnitude — twice the size of any privately installed system in the Sacramento Area. The system is expected to generate 29,664,213 kWh (kilowatt hours) of electricity over the first 20 years and is equal to approximately 150 average-size residential solar panel systems.
Using the California Energy Commission’s Clean Power Estimator, Siemens calculates that its new 1-MW photovoltaic system impacts the environment by preventing 737 tons of CO2 annually and is equivalent to removing 7,933 cars from the road and to planting about 200 acres of trees a year.
“The ability to better utilize our site, achieve operational cost savings and reduce our energy footprint from the power grid were excellent reasons to move forward with bringing an alternative energy source to our manufacturing facility,” stated Oliver Hauck, president and CEO of STS. “Aside from the positive business advantages, a 1-MW photovoltaic system will offset our energy demand during peak periods and allow us to contribute energy back to the power grid for positive environmental benefits.”
Known for providing mobility for more livable cities, STS now advances sustainability in California by using solar energy. STS manufactures energy efficient light rail cars and developed Sitras SES, an energy storage technology for rail systems.
Siemens Mobility is working together with Siemens Building Technologies to install, service and maintain the SHARP poly-crystalline modules used for the system. Over 5,175 solar modules will be installed to power the One Mega Watt system. The modules will be placed above an assembly building and will cover the facility’s parking lot which, as an additional positive side effect, will provide employees with shade and protection from rain. The system will be approximately two acres in size.
About Siemens Transportation Systems Inc. (U.S.): Siemens Transportation Systems Inc. (STSI), headquartered in Sacramento, CA, is the number one manufacturer of light rail vehicles in North America having sold more than 1,000 light rail vehicles over the past 20 years. STS supplies rail vehicles, systems and services to public transit agencies and Class 1 Railroads to help move people and goods efficiently and timely. As a leader in delivering complete mobility solutions, STS also offers innovative rail technologies like energy storage management systems that can help cut greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 175 tons annually. Its product portfolio includes traction electrification, propulsion systems, rail automation, rolling stock and integrated services for light rail, heavy rail, commuter rail and locomotives. For more information, please visit: http://www.mobility.siemens.com/
About Siemens Building Technologies Division: As a leading provider of energy and environmental solutions, building controls, fire safety and security systems solutions, Siemens Building Technologies, Inc., makes buildings comfortable, safe, secure and less costly to operate. With U.S. headquarters in Buffalo Grove, Ill., Siemens Building Technologies employs 7,200 people and provides a full range of services and solutions from more than 100 locations coast-to-coast. Worldwide, the company has 28,000 employees and operates from more than 500 locations in 51 countries. http://www.us.sbt.siemens.com/
About Siemens
Siemens AG (NYSE: SI) is a global powerhouse in electronics and electrical engineering, and operates in the industry, energy and healthcare sectors. For more than 160 years, Siemens has built a reputation for leading-edge innovation and the quality of its products, services and solutions. With nearly 400,000 employees in 190 countries, Siemens reported worldwide sales of $96.6 billion in fiscal 2007. With its U.S. corporate headquarters in New York City, Siemens in the USA reported sales of $19.8 billion and employs approximately 70,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico. For more information on Siemens in the United States, visit http://www.usa.siemens.com/