Martifer Solar completes 368kW solar parking lot

March 25, 2010

Solar integrator and manufacturer Martifer Solar has completed its first “SmartPark” solar parking lot in the United States, in Lancaster, California.

The 368-kilowatt system was built for the Antelope Valley Transit Authority, which operates in the Cities of Lancaster and Palmdale, in the County of Los Angeles.

Spread over 35,000 square feet, the system will offer electrical energy for 110 vehicles, while also providing them protection from the sun.

The Los Angeles-based company said its SmartPark product comprises a fixed structure that requires a “minimal amount of installation work”.

The system is adaptable to the size and layout of its location, and can accommodate a wide variety of solar module types and connecting equipment, its manufacturers said,

The SmartPark product can be used as a standalone system or in conjunction with roof or ground-mounted solar systems, the firm said.

“Aestheitic”

Raffi Agopian, CEO of Martifer Solar, said the new SmartPark system provided an “advanced” solar platform without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.

Mr Agopian said: “This system is an elegant combination of both form and function, and is very versatile. It perfectly matched the renewable energy goals of the Antelope Valley Transit Authority, while also meeting their need for better parking facilities for their employees and visitors. It was a great win-win solution.”

The project benefited from Recovery Act funding under the Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction grant program.

It is projected to cut carbon emissions by 400 tons over the course of its 35-year lifespan.

Randy Floyd, Executive Director of the Transit Authority, said: “AVTA is proud of this project. It put to good use a portion of our American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding. Not only did this project generate jobs, it is reducing our carbon footprint and reducing our operating costs.”

Martifer Solar, which designed and engineered the SmartPark system, said it was anticipating a 35% growth level for the market.

The company is the solar energy division of the multinational firm Martifer Group, which has its global headquarters in Portugal.