Californian city to save $13m switching to solar power

July 28, 2010

A city government in Orange County, California, looks set to cut its energy use by 40% thanks to a new solar power project now under construction.

Chevron Energy Solutions, a unit of oil giant Chevron Corporation, is installing 1.8 megawatts of solar panels for the City of Brea.

The installations at the city’s Community Center, Civic and Cultural Center and Reservoir City Pump Yard are expected to save $13 million in energy costs over the expected lifetime of the project.

Chevron has designed the solar arrays, and is to build, operate, maintain and guarantee the systems for the city.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2011.

Proud

“The City of Brea is proud to work with Chevron Energy Solutions to save taxpayer dollars by reducing our energy use,” said Brea Mayor Ron Garcia. “This project also helps Brea attain early compliance with goals of the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) by reducing our energy use.”

Along with the energy cost savings from switching to solar power, the project is expected to reduce the city’s carbon emissions by more than 86,000 metric tons, equivalent to removing more than 16,000 cars from the road over the life of the project.

The project will also support more than 25 jobs directly and 125 jobs indirectly, putting $3 million into the local economy.

Jim Davis, president of Chevron Energy Solutions, said: “This project demonstrates how cities and other municipalities can learn from Brea how to reduce their energy costs and use clean, renewable power.”