Solar Cells Info

by Michael Clancy, The Arizona Republic
Phoenix, AZ, Jan 14, 2008
Source: AZCentral.com
http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/0114phxsolar0114.html

The city is moving ahead on becoming a solar-friendly city. Already the city has solar installations at nine locations and a large project about to be installed in downtown Phoenix.  Further, the city has applied to the federal government for a $200,000 matching grant to promote solar energy.

“This is good for the environment and good for the bottom line,” said Deputy City Manager Cynthia Seelhammer, who oversees the city’s Public Works Department. The department includes the city’s solar efforts.  She said the city has no specific goal in mind, but everyone realizes how much sense solar makes.

A recent move has been to prequalify several solar businesses for future work around the city. Under the Public Works plan, the businesses would retain control of the installations while being paid for the energy they produce.

Demetrius Laloudakis, who oversees energy management for the Public Works Department, said the projects would go on city-owned rooftops and large open spaces such as unused landfill areas.  He said the possibility of new installations is open-ended, depending on negotiations with five vendors already selected on the basis of the ability to install, operate and maintain some relatively large solar projects.

The federal grant would help with the process, paving the way for fee reductions on the projects. The newest project, atop the Phoenix Convention Center’s completed west building, will be a city-owned and -operated unit. Brian Lewis of contractor 3D/I, said the project should be completed earlier than the April deadline.

The 100-kilowatt system will provide energy equivalent of that used in 12 to 14 homes.  The system is priced at $850,000 with costs split between the Public Works Department and the Phoenix Convention Center. When the project is completed, the city will be eligible for a rebate from Arizona Public Service to cover part of the cost.

The city also uses solar energy at eight other locations:
• Central Avenue transit canopies, 1.5 kilowatts.
• North Mountain Park security lights, 150 watts.
• South Mountain Park restroom, 200 watts.
• Pecos Park-and-Ride, 100 kilowatts in conjunction with Salt River Project.
• North Gateway Solid Waste Transfer Station, 7 kilowatts.
• Camp Colley, north of Payson, 8.45 kilowatts.
• North Mountain Visitor Center, 3.15 kilowatts.
• Pecos Community Center, 30 kilowatts with SRP.